Nacho Monreal believes the confidence of compatriot Hector Bellerin is why the right back has been nominated for the European Golden Boy award.
The 20-year-old has been a mainstay of the Arsenal defence since the beginning of the year and was recently voted Young Catalan Player of the Year.
Monreal told Arsenal Player that Bellerin is mature beyond his years and is a big reason for the improvement in the Gunners over the last 12 months.
It’s not a surprise [that he was nominated for European Golden Boy] because he’s playing really well. He’s a young player, only 20 years old, but he plays like a guy who is 30. He’s very mature and he plays with a lot of confidence. He trusts in himself and that’s very good for us.
Since he’s started to play the level of the team is improving so we are very proud of him.
Bellerin has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season and is clearly the number one choice for manager Arsene Wenger.
His one assist and 10 chances created in the Premier League is only bettered by Bacary Sagna, who has 11 chances created while defensively he ranks high with 21 interceptions and 38 clearances.
Monreal is impressed with the development in Bellerin and is adamant that the former Barcelona man will soon be representing Spain at senior level.
When I was 20 like him, I was scared every time I had to play at the beginning, but he’s not. That’s the secret for him, that he’s so confident in himself. He’s only 20, he has a long way to go, he has to play more games but obviously everything he has done is brilliant.
I’m 100 per cent sure he will play for the Spanish national team. I don’t know when as that’s the question. At this moment there are another two right backs like Juanfran and Dani Carvajal.
Hector is still playing for the under-21s but if he carries on, he will play with the senior team 100 per cent.
