---
title: "Cascarino – Bellerín has “gone backwards”"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2017/12/14/cascarino-bellerin-gone-backwards/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2017-12-14T21:59:22Z"
modified: "2017-12-14T21:59:22Z"
---

# Cascarino – Bellerín has “gone backwards”

Hector Bellerín has “gone backwards” for Arsenal, and is being shown up by his young protégé Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to Tony Cascarino.

The speedy Spaniard has been considered to be one of the best full-backs in the country over the last few seasons, however despite being deployed in a more advanced position this season, Bellerín is yet to record a goal or an assist in 1,530 minutes of league action. Writing in The Times, Cascarino said;

> I don’t know what has happened to Hector Bellerin, who has really gone backwards for Arsenal.
>
> He was touted as one of the country’s best right backs, supposedly wanted by Barcelona, but he hardly got a kick in the first half last night \[against West Ham\]. He was offering very little in attack and he was caught out defensively on occasions.
>
> We often question Arsene Wenger’s development of young players at Arsenal, and this could be another piece of evidence against the Frenchman.
>
> The contrast was stark between Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who was so much more effective at left back.

Arsenal are winless in three Premier League appearances, having not picked up all three points since they beat Huddersfield 5-0 in late November. On Saturday they welcome struggling Newcastle to the Emirates.