It’s no secret that Barcelona are looking to bring Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin back to the Nou Camp – they’ve admitted so themselves.
The 21-year-old has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in English football but his roots very much lie in Catalonia, just as Cesc Fabregas’ did and always will do.
Fabregas transformed from a Gunners hero into one of the club’s many pantomime villains following moves to Barca – and subsequently Chelsea – and there’s a feeling that Bellerin could also be heading for the Emirates exit doors in the not-so-distant future.
Reports now suggest the Spanish full-back could be tempted to leave north London for his former club or even Premier League rivals Manchester City.
If Bellerin were to return to Barca the move would likely be understood by even the most diehard Arsenal fans – just as many eventually came to terms with Fabregas’ departure – but a transfer to the Etihad would be a devastating blow for Gooners.
Worryingly, Barca’s vice-president Jordi Mestre recently stated: ‘We’ve already seen him as a Cule! He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that.’
But why are three of Europe’s juggernauts battling it our to sign this lad who’s only made 88 appearances in professional football?
He creates chances
It appears Bellerin is more than just a full-back who’s able to turn on the afterburners…Héctor Bellerín has provided more Premier League assists (6) than any other defender since the start of last season.
Arsenal supporters are well aware of his ability in the final third and the stats are there for all to see.
The Spain man, who made his international debut earlier this summer, has provided the most assists (6) of all defenders in the English top flight since the start of last season.
Watch out Mesut Ozil, he’s coming for your title!
He’s got serious gas – obviously
Anybody who has seen Bellerin play in the flesh can attest that the Spanish dynamo has a serious pair of wheels on him.
This was made glaringly obvious for Chelsea fans when the right-back chased down fellow Pedro from an improbable distance in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat of their London rivals at the end of September.
The likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard rarely threatened at the Emirates as a result of Arsene Wenger’s rapid defence.
Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal, in addition to Bellerin, would all back themselves in a one-on-one race and many are claiming the Gunners may have the best defence in the Premier League at present.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford recently claimed Bellerin is the quickest player he’s faced, stating: ‘I was on the left & I knocked it past him, got to the ball but then I couldn’t turn because I could see him coming.’
His dribbles are incisive
Bellerin’s incisive runs down the right flank have become a terrifying prospect for any opposing manager who has to face Arsenal.
As already discussed, the lad has pace but, more importantly, he uses his brain too which is reflected in his impressive set of statistics.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bellerin has completed more dribbles than any defender in the English top division since the beginning of the 2015/16 campaign.
The fact this stat is so predictable is a testament to the youngster and shows what a force he has become in such a relatively short amount of time – two seasons to be precise.
It’s no wonder Barcelona have realised their mistake in letting him go and are desperate to snap him up again.
He’s racking up the appearances
Very few 21-year-old’s in England, or on the continent, will have played as vital a role as Bellerin over the last two seasons.
Unfortunately for Mathieu Debuchy, he’s now a nailed-on starter under Wenger at Arsenal and made the most appearances (36) for the north London outfit last term, with compatriot and fellow full-back Monreal not far behind.
Unsurprisingly, Bellerin is racking up the appearances this term too and has started every match for the Gunners apart from their 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
If Man City or Barca are set to land the Bellerin, they will be safe in the knowledge that the defender possesses an old head on young shoulders as a result of a wealth of experience he’s already picked up.
He’s already recognised as a star by his peers
It’s not just Marcus Rashford who has been singing the praises of Bellerin since his breakthrough at the Emirates as shown by his selection in the 2015/16 PFA Team of the Year.
The right-back was the only member of Arsene Wenger’s squad to be recognised by his fellow peers for the XI which undoubtedly would have alerted the likes of City and Barca.
Worried yet, Arsenal fans…?
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