One of Arsenal’s issues last season, among many, was the lack of depth in the right-back position. It meant that Hector Bellerin ended up being overplayed, doing 90 minutes between the two Europa League semi-finals for example.
There’s also the problem that a lack of competition for places can, even subconsciously, affect a player’s form, but this season the Spaniard knows he’s got an experienced player jockeying for position, but the 23 year old is looking at the arrival of Stephan Lichtsteiner as a positive.
The 34 year old, who has vast experience and a track record of winning things at Juventus, is someone Bellerin believes he can learn a lot from, which will be beneficial to him and the team.
In an interview with Football London, he said, “I think it’s a great addition to the squad. He’s a player with loads of top level experience and he can only help us.
“I can’t wait to learn from him. I think he’s a top defender, really solid and has a very good attacking sense as well.
“As a young player, it’s good to have someone like that I can learn from.”
It’s a great way to look at it, finding the upside rather than being threatened, even if common sense tells you that a 34 year old player has a limited shelf-life.
Nevertheless, if the Swiss international can help Bellerin develop as a defender, then it can only be a good thing for him and the team as we head into a new season.
The Gunners continue their preparations tonight with a game against Chelsea in Dublin.
We look like we are on the right path on the right side of defence.
Right path on the right part
Sincerely hope he (bellerin) gets better with his positioning and floating crosses. Lichsteiner can only be a positive because of his vast experience and keeping Bellerin on his toes. Hope he (bellerin) makes a good protege.. Arsenal for top 3 come end of season!!
Am I alone in hoping that going off Bellerin’s form the last year that I would rather Lich start
I hope we do see an upswing in Bellerins form with actual competition behind him
Decent short term solution but I can’t say I was really that impressed with lich at the world cup. Not seen him for juve much though and if he kicks bellerin into another gear then good signing nonetheless.
There was a moment in the World Cup where the Swiss brought on a sub & he immediately gave the ball away. Lich was straight in his face telling him it wasn’t acceptable. I loved seeing that. We have been a far, far too quiet team for way too long.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/45024167
In other news, the Tour de France winner is a huge Arsenal fan.
Yeah but cycling, dude.
I’ll take all the trophies we can get at the moment, even if only with an Arsenal connection.
He’s a 2 times olympic gold medalist too ..
Lichsteiner takes him aside and in his best Yoda voice says, you must unlearn what you have learned. In all seriousness though this is great short term and long term planning by Emery. He probably saw the talent in Bellerin but knew he needs to learn from someone with vast experience.
You mean “unlearn you must what learned you have”.
Nope, Karlos has quoted the line verbatim.
The whole Yoda speaking backwards was a meme taken way out of proportion in the prequels. His speech was much more ‘pigeon English’ in the old films than ‘completely back to front’.
Glad that’s cleared up
So,a potential brand new Bellerin infused with Lich dna ! Drools.. ?
‘Infused’, ‘DNA’ and ‘drools’ in the same comment… ?
Come to think of it,will it make Bellerin the new Lich king? ?♚❄️?️
Very positive from Bellerin. Good attitude, knows he still has a lot to learn.
Did anyone watch Lichtsteiner in the world cup? He a nasty one for sure. While someone like that will do us good against whoever it is that becomes the new Stoke he is also likely to receive plenty of cards. That cunt Dean is probably already going at the mouth.
Not going – foaming!
Looking forward to him elbowing Hazard in the head and then shrugging it off as if he just patted him on the back
I don’t mind Hazard myself but I could think of a few who’d benefit from an elbow or two. As long as Lichtsteiner doesn’t get himself sent off all the time.
Swedish referee Jonas Neilsson was asked in an interview last summer who the players were that he didn’t want to referee, and he said Lichtsteiner was “the most unpleasant person I have ever met”.
Good.
Lichtsteiner and Torreira reported back from hols today.
Probably to early for Dublin,but expect them to feature in Stockholm on Saturday.
Last 2 games for players to make an impression and seal a starting spot against City.
I wonder how many Unai has decided on already. ??
You would think the starting line up against Lazio might be the biggest clue.
Fascinating.
I remember a time in my life when that photo would only invoke innocent thoughts.
#bukkakebelle
It was that as much as anything else that led to his drinking problem…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pl4plPGRG8o
ffs ? underrated comment this.
Hector could use an infusion of bastardry. Also are we calling him the Lich King or nah?
He’s the Swiss express.
I think aside from Bellerin though the other positive he may bring experience wise is to his fellow countryman Granit.
Xhaka is enormous potential and a dose of ‘real world pragmatics’ (I won’t call it cynicism) from a “big brother” could improve his midfield work both positionally or otherwise.
It can only benefit a Torreira-Granit axis.
A bit ambivalent about this ‘problem’ frankly. Sure Lichsteiner cost next to nothing to get and as a short term appointment can impart very valuable lessons to Bellerin for the young Spaniard to increase his output exponentially this season. But frankly, even had we not secured the Swiss, I feel we have cover at Rback in AMN. He also needs to improve of course but last season’s baptism on the left develop a very decent player with good recovery pace. Since he is right footed, the easy thing would be to switch him to cover his natural side. As is… Read more »
Chelsea game saw no change what so ever..
Same old play-the-ball-behind-Bellerin act.
poor performances all over.