Importance of Bellerin

Hector Bellerin has signed a new contract at Arsenal. His growing importance to the side makes it a huge boost, writes Nick Wright…

If there was ever a game to epitomise the rise of Hector Bellerin, it was Arsenal’s clash with Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in October last year. The Spaniard was twisted inside-out by Douglas Costa in a punishing first half at the Emirates Stadium, but rather than crumbling in the face of relentless pressure, he held his nerve.

Bellerin gradually got on top of Costa, and Arsenal began to turn the tide. Olivier Giroud bundled home the opening goal from a free kick, and then there was Bellerin, the youngest player on the pitch, pouncing on a loose pass from David Alaba and racing into Bayern’s box to cross for Mesut Ozil to seal the win. The Emirates erupted. Bellerin’s redemption was complete.

The young right-back has made a habit of coming through tough moments. He was dropped during a loan spell at Watford in 2014 and struggled badly on his Arsenal debut against Borussia Dortmund a few months later, but every setback has only added to his determination. Every challenge has become another leap forward.

A year on from that night against Costa, Bellerin has commited his future to Arsenal with a new long-term contract expected to place him among their highest earners. The 21-year-old was the only outfield player to play every minute of their first 11 Premier League games of the season, and it is testament to his importance that the news of his recent ankle injury prompted such anxiety among supporters.

It is rare for a young player to reach such lofty heights in such a short space of time, but Bellerin has always been different. In fact, to Andres Carrasco, the man who signed him for Barcelona when he eight years old and coached him right up until he was 15, it is no surprise at all.

“It’s always difficult …

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