Has Bellerin done enough to be Arsenal first-choice right-back?

Has Bellerin overtaken Calum Chambers as Right Back? By Twig

Much has been said about the stellar performances of Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin in our last game,
but the very impressive performance of Hector Bellerin has pretty much gone unnoticed. Bellerin has had
both highs and lows at right back for Arsenal. Against Stoke he had a torrid time and had to be hauled off
at half time, but he had been quite impressive ever since. What is most encouraging is his humility and
willingness to learn:

“When Bacary was here, I used to look at his games and analyse him, because I think he was one of the
best players we used to have on the pitch. When Jenko or Calum play, it’s about analysing the things they
do right and wrong”

The most impressive thing about him as a player is his pace. Against City he made many overlapping runs that helped
us going forward. We didn’t have that with either Sagna and Debuchy. He’s not the strongest defender though,
but what he lacks in strength, he compensates with his pace which allows him to keep up with opposing wingers.

Chambers had been a revelation since he came. However, it is worth noticing that his most impressive displays
have been as a centre-back not as a right back (even though, he was bought as a right back). On the flanks,
he lacks the necessary pace to keep up with opposing players, and he doesn’t quite look nimble enough
for the role. On the discipline side, he has picked up 6 yellows and 1 red card, the most by any Arsenal player.
He has had a cameo in defensive midfield as well, which didn’t go too well. It appears, his long term position
is going to be as centre-back, possibly to take over from Mertesacker in the future…

Chambers is still a young player, and Wenger himself had admitted he might have overplayed him a bit. The
recent impressive performances of Hector Bellerin should definitely continue to be rewarded until Debuchy
returns. Like Wenger himself said, “Having to find solutions internally is a blessing”. Hopefully, our 2 internal
solutions for this season – Coquelin and Bellerin – continue to live up to the occasion, which will allow us
save enough money for that Cavani bid I know we’ve all been waiting for? 😉

Twig

Tags Bellerin Chambers Debuchy

17 Comments

  1. This kid has been simply amazing so far. The fact that he has Spanish blood in him makes him pacy and a bit more attacking – something to go with the Arsenal flow. His crossing and deliveries is superb.

    He maybe a bit low on the defensive side, but I’ve noticed whatever defending he does, he gives his 110% to it. Nevertheless, on the other hand, his defending did improve by far over the last two games and it will only cease to improve more.

    And about strength, it’s not a worrying matter now. He’s 19, right? There’s still plently of time to bulk up later. Take Özil and Walcott for instance. He will have time to develop his strength as he grows older.

    I believe him to be the firm contender with Debuchy for the RB position. Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscienly and Paulista should battle out the 2 CBs. Great to realize our strength in depth now.

    Bellerin is turning out to be one of my favorites now.

  2. Bellerin has definitely nailed down the first choice RB slot over chambers at this moment in time. Bellerin has been immense and he is getting better and better every game.

    I think chambers played very well at RB during the first 4-5 weeks into debuchys injury but fatigue probably set in and affected his performances.

    Idk if it’s just me but I feel chambers should lose 2-3 kg’s which would hopefully make him more agile and nimble which is something I think would really help his game

  3. i wonder how’s the pecking order for lb when everyone’s fit
    1. Debuchy
    2. Jenko
    3. Bellerin
    4. Chambers

    or
    1. Debuchy
    2. Bellerin
    3. Jenko
    4. Chambers

  4. He deserves to be first choice has played his best to be selected and now with the pace and confidence can make his claim there, It all now is on the team V Brighton as players he has now back can show that the squad is very strong and no matter who is out will not weaken them Looking forward to this game now CB

  5. The truth of the matter is, and in answer to your question simply put: YES! I like Bellerin’s youthful exuberance and enthusiasm and besides, the boy can play and has an engine. So far so good, I would say!

  6. work permit issues aside can paulista play for us in CL, he has already played for villareal in the europa league this season.

  7. With debuchy injured, jenko gone and chambers not ideal at rb bellerin by process of elimination is our 1st choice right back. If we had all four to choose from I’d say hes comparable with debuchy. Debuchy has an over all better and more experienced defensive game, bellerin has an electric attacking threat due to his pace. Both should be considered to start based on the opposition/tactics. Cant wait to see bellerin and walcott together on the pitch, raw pace! Got a gut feeling if bellerin does well up to the end of the season we wont ever see Carl play for us again.

    1. The only problem with that is that I LIKE Carl…I just love it he’s a gooner…I can’t believe we have so many options now in these positions. 🙂 🙂

      1. Carl could be converted to CB. He’s good in the air , very quick ,reads the game and has good distribution. Depends what he wants to do and if the boss sees it the same way. I hope he doesn’t leave, anyway.

  8. Sanchez 35 mill Walcott 5 mill
    Wellbeck 16 mill Van persie 2.5 mill
    Chamberlain 12 mill – Gnabry 100k
    Arshavin 15 mill- Ramsey 5 mill
    Ozil 42 mill Fabregas free
    Arteta 10 mill Song 1 mill
    Vermaelen 10 mill Toure 150 K
    Monreal 8 mill Gibbs free
    Cazorla 10 mill Wilshere Free
    Chambers 16 mill.- Bellerin free

    1. arsenal board reading this be like
      toure = 14 mil
      vermaelen = 15 mil
      van persie = 22.5 mil
      song = 15 mil
      fabregas = 34 mil Cha-Ching!!!!!!!!!

  9. Off topic

    Everytime I see a report regarding players returning or players still out injured-it baffles the hell out of me that a calf injury can keep someone out for almost 3 years….!!!!!!!! A calf injury… It’s not a cruciate or broken ankle or foot.. Walcott is now back after almost a year..
    Diaby has something seriously wrong with him.. Or it’s a mental problem who knows..?
    Just thought why it’s always reported as a calf problem.. Don’t think anyone really knows if I’m honest..
    Anyway – Id love arsene to sign a direct replacement in sissoko .. We would be able to compete ..finally for the title.. And on other fronts without looking feeble at times against the better teams..
    Welcome paulista – fantastic news..

  10. Dont know how long a contract bellerin has left but suggest wenger rips it up and give the kid a new bumper 5 year contract he can be our 1st choice rb for many many years to come he will go on to be top class!

  11. Bellerin has the baton at the moment let him keep it. The LB position needs strengthening which wiil I assume be sorted out next close season.

Comments are closed

Top Blog Sponsors