Hector Bellerin has edged increasingly closer to the Arsenal first-team in his three seasons at the club. In his first campaign he broke into what was then the Reserve side, before making the bench in the League Cup during 2012/13. Last season he made his debut in that competition, as a late substitute against West Bromwich Albion, and was later named amongst the substitutes in the Premier League.
Now 19, and having also spent time on loan at Watford last season, Bellerin is determined to make a more sustained impact in the first-team. Recent events, however, suggest that the Spaniard may have to bide his time a little longer before fulfilling that aim. Mathieu Debuchy was acquired as a direct replacement for Bacary Sagna, but, contrary to speculation, Carl Jenkinson remains an Arsenal player, whilst there are persistent rumours linking Javier Manquillo, a 20 year old right-back, with a move to North London.
If Manquillo was signed, even on loan, it would present Bellerin with a considerable obstacle to overcome. Manquillo is less than a year older than his compatriot, which would indicate that Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff believe that Bellerin still has some improvements to make if he is to make a permanent step up to the first-team.
Always adept in an attacking sense, Bellerin had occasionally been caught out defensively during his first couple of seasons at the club, but he now seems to have improved greatly in that regard and is also much more meticulous in his decision making when electing whether or not to join attacking moves.
There is the possibility that Bellerin could be utilised further up the pitch as a right-winger, a position he thrived in during his formative years at Barcelona, but he has rarely been asked to play there since joining Arsenal.
The most likely scenario for Bellerin is that he will again find himself as the club’s third choice right-back going into the new season, behind Debuchy and either Jenkinson or Manquillo. He may well start in the League Cup and could go on loan again as the campaign progresses in order to gain further experience.
It is far from ideal for Bellerin, a player who possesses so much potential, but it will at least serve him with a reminder that competition in high level football is extremely fierce.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
If arsene really rate him…then y bring in marquillo? Doesnt make any sense unless bellerin hv no future at the club
Agreed with your argument, but downvoted because of text speech.
Oh bellerin how I hope to see you in red and white soon…love his style of play and his fashion taste proves his a gooner…
Wonder if the loan interest in Manquillo is to bring him over to London and check how he copes with English football?
I would have no complaints if bellerin ajayi miquel were all added to the first team squad. I am certain bellerin could play right back whilst jenkinson miquel and ajayi could be centre backs alongside one of the main 3.
I’ve liked Miquel whenever I’ve seen him, it’d be good if he got some solid first team time under his belt this season.
I just hope that the report in the Sun saying West Ham have offered £5M for Jenkinson are not true. I hope we keep Carl, I love it that he is a gooner and I think he will get better
Off topic but wanna ask wen does the transfer window end?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=when+does+the+transfer+window+end
Richardo – I wish I could thumb you up all day.
Not in a weird way mind you.
brilliant
how the hell do you do that??
Jenkinson won’t be sold. He is a decent deputy at the moment. He might be loaned out but that is to develop him as a player. I like the corporal…
This so called high standard really makes me wonder how Bendtner, Cygan, etc made it into a starting XI.
Gotta keep Heccy Bell, lad’s a talent
@Warm – Window ends at the end of the August.
Bellerin better work on playing on the left then because that right side is packed with competition. I wouldnt be surprised if he ended up as a winger thou
Debuchy and Jenks fighting for 1st team place. Manquillo as cover/league cup games. Bellerin on loan to a premier league club to get some experience.
Works for me.
It will be interesting to see starting line up tomorrow. I know its only Borehamwood and its likely we will see complete changes in the 2nd half but the likes of Szszney, jenks, bellerin, gibbs, monreal, diaby, flamini, arteta, Rosiky, Gnabry and sanogo all should feature at some point.
Really please that Arsenal are webcasting the game live, too. This’ll get me some good early season practice in getting up before the birds to watch a match.
Nonsense, wake them up and get them in the kitchen to make you coffee and bacon.
Well he’s only 19 so if he’s good enough, works hard and is patient enough he has a chance.
Defenders especially peak in their mid 20s+ yeah?
Anyhow, I,ll wish him the best but he’s going to have to get past jenks first.
Will tomorrows game be aired on anything so i can find a stream? So far i only find for a Mugsmashers game and another friendly that olays at the same time.
It’s being shown live on Arsenal.com.
@tazmanian jesus! What a name! You can view the game i believe on the arsenal website not sure if they play live or an hour later but i think it is
Yep Arsenal Player free to join
I am keen on watching that game just have to work out how as i am taking out the wife on a day out excursion. Maybe bring the laptop but how can i get away with it? Watching Borehamwood raises lots of questions
We must keep Jenkinson. If only for his celebrations. We have all imagined what it would be like if we scored
“Bore”hamwood ? Has to be the weirdest name i heard ? Anyone heard weirder ?
I agree but he needs more playing time; so the potential loan deal makes sense to give him more experience. The signing of Debuchy really makes sense as Jenks needs a few years to develop. I still think Jenks can be Englands no2
@sam gooner as you ask “cockfosters” sounds like a penis adoption agency
I dont think Jenkinson was bad last season. I thought he was pretty good. I think we can rely on him. Plus he has Arsenal DNA
Wow is mourinho a cunt!
@forfucksake thanks for the name compliment, Im quite satisfied with it.
Also, isnt it possible to stream on phone or tablet? Im sure you will find a way to get your game on!
And @Arsedependent thanks both for the info. Been travelling for 2 straight days now, almost home…hope I can stay awake for the match!
Saw him on an Easyjet flight from Barcelona to London! I assume he’d just been home for some of mama’s cooking. Seemed like a down to earth sociable guy. Had his Beats by Dre on as all footballers should. I didn’t say hello though, I’ve always felt it would be weird being on a vessel for three hours with some older bloke you don’t know but who knows who you are giving you a pep talk.
jon toral lives next door to me, hector bellerin often visits. from my brief encounters with them they both seem extremely polite and down-to-earth… only problem i now face is how to tell them i’m a season ticket holder without sounding like a sycophant.
You sir are scaring me a little bit with the binoculars.
it’s not the binoculars he (sorry, *you*) should be worried about…
Bellerin was impressive at bourham Wood and a stark contrast to jenkinson. The Spaniard has plenty of guile and close control where Jenkinson tends to be a bit lose with the ball at times and predictable. Where jenkinson had an edge was defensive no nonsense but bellerin looked solid enough albeit against Borham Wood. I suspect we will see more auditions from young hector in forthcoming games. really, either of Jenkinson or bellerin will be playing for the second RB spot where Debuchy is now the current surrogate with plenty of experience to cover a 2 year period assessing the… Read more »
Boreham Wood, interesting to juxtapose the teams fielded by Wenger on either side of the half. Zelalem/Diaby – fantastic vision by the youngster but frankly, his best exposure is a loan spell. Good to see Diaby fit again (albeit for how long we do not know). Some excellent attacking contributions but he is also much more mature defensively these days Bellerin/jenkinson – As mentioned above, I felt the Spaniard had the way better showing with some excellent crosses. can’t remember any from jenkinson to be honest. What I do not agree with the typical shallow media and do not like… Read more »
No Manquilo. It is simply daft to spend on a player who has not played much for Atheletico and will need time to settle when we are also bringing in Debuchy 9albeit with premiership experience) + we have jenkinson and bellerin at similar age. Do not believe the media. We are linked to many players and likely it is benefitial for us to be linked to alternates when doing deals for specific players (at RB). that deal is now done and the alternative has served its purpose. Only the media have their heads stuck up their arse and don’t understand… Read more »