It could be a tough and frustrating time for Hector Bellerin at Arsenal for a while. I personally think that Arsene Wenger should have been using him more in the last few months, with Mathieu Debuchy on the injury list after undergoing surgery to fix his ankle ligament damage.
With Monreal struggling at centre back, it seemed an ideal chance to play Bellerin in his right back role with Calum Chambers in the middle, but the boss did not seem to have faith in him. Maybe it was the young Spaniard himself that was lacking confidence, but that now seems to have come, helped by his very capable performance out of position at left back against Galatasaray.
Bellerin told Arsenal Player, “It is a different position to where I usually play but last year, when I was at Watford on loan, I had a few games there so it wasn’t unfamiliar.
“It is difficult to get used to in this kind of game especially. But I felt comfortable and I was happy with my performance.
“I am feeling really good [with the first team], the lads are amazing – they have treated me so well since the first day I have been with them so I’m really comfortable.
“It’s nice to be getting games and starts in the Premier League and Champions League as a 19-year-old.
“It is a great achievement, so I’m really happy and it gives me a lot of confidence.”
Unfortunately for him, with Chambers suspended for this weekend’s clash with Newcastle, the Frenchman has returned to fitness and Kieran Gibbs is fit to play on the left. So just as the 19-year old is feeling comfortable and starting to show what he can do, his chances of playing look pretty thin.
With no League cup games and a tough draw in the FA cup, there are no obvious games for Wenger to rotate and play a few reserves, so when will Bellerin get another opportunity to build on his growing confidence?