Why Hector Bellerin Deserves Champions League Start for Arsenal vs. Anderlecht

There weren’t many positives to come out of Arsenal’s draw with Hull City in the latest round of Premier League fixtures. It was a game the Gunners needed to win, and failing to do so has cast a gloomy mood over the Emirates Stadium. However, one player who escaped censure was Hector Bellerin. On his Premier League debut, the Spanish full-back gave an assured performance. Now, he deserves to keep his place for the Champions League match with RSC Anderlecht. 

Bellerin has already played in the Champions League this season. He made his full Arsenal debut in the mauling away to Borussia Dortmund. Understandably, he struggled on that occasion. However, it would be wrong to blame him for Arsenal's dreadful display. He was sorely let down by his more senior colleagues: Bellerin was not afforded the protection he needed.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

He doesn’t appear to have let that difficult night damage his confidence, though. Against Hull, he was excellent. He is blessed with tremendous pace, which makes him effective at both ends of the pitch. Not only is he capable of late dashes to make last-ditch recovery tackles, but he is also capable of getting to the byline to provide Arsenal with a wide attacking outlet.

It’s quite the rise for Bellerin, who at one stage this summer was Arsenal’s fourth choice right-back. The injury to Mathieu Debuchy, suspension of Calum Chambers and departure of Carl Jenkinson have seen him climb rapidly up the ranks. It’s a rise every bit as quick as one of Bellerin’s trademark sprints.

Speaking to Arsenal.com after the Hull game, Nacho Monreal had high praise for his compatriot: 

"

[Hector] had a great performance. He's been training with us all season, so we know exactly what he can do and what type of potential he has.

He took his opportunity in pre-season and he did it again on Saturday. He had a great game.

He's very young and he has a long way to go in his development. Given that he is so young and he does have such potential, I think he's going to have a great career ahead of him.

"

High praise indeed. However, Monreal may be left to curse Bellerin’s ascent. If the younger Spaniard starts against Anderlecht, it is he who is most likely to miss out. 

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With Calum Chambers available again after suspension, Wenger could be tempted to drop Bellerin and deploy the Englishman at right-back. However, that would mean retaining Monreal at centre-back, a role in which he has already admitted to feeling uncomfortable.

Instead, Wenger should pair Chambers with Per Mertesacker in central defence. Although he has not played a huge amount of football in the middle, Chambers has all the attributes required of a top centre-half. That would allow Bellerin to continue his impressive progress at full-back. After seizing his opportunity against Hull, Arsenal’s Spanish sensation deserves another opportunity to shine.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.