Hector Bellerin
Another man who has profited from the misfortunes of others in his position, is this young man – Hector Bellerin – another product of the youth academy.
At the tender age of 20, the Spaniard from former club Barcelona, has shone in the absence of senior right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who has endured an injury plagued début season since joining from Newcastle United last summer, whilst also managing to keep Calum Chambers out of the side in the process.
With injuries hampering the team badly at the time, Bellerin was handed his first ever Champions League début in September away to Borrusia Dortmund – a tough game to introduce yourself amongst Europe’s elite. And to be honest, the Spaniard along with his team-mates endured a tough night in the West of Germany.
Although it hasn’t been all plane sailing for this fast developing young talent, he has been one of Arsenal’s most exciting players of the season. He’s already proven he’s the quickest in the team, ahead of Theo Walcott, so he can match strides with the quickest wingers in the league, although his defensive game needs improvement.
Ashley Young undoubtedly had the beating of him in the match at Old Trafford on Sunday, as did Jefferson Montero to an extent, both wingers creating goals for their team’s against the Gunners, with the right-back allowing crosses to enter the box.
However, his performances has earned him two league goals, his first coming in the 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa in February, and the other in the 4-1 victory against Liverpool – both goals as cool and crisp as each other.
On top of that, he’s kept himself fit throughout the entirety of the season, and has definitely given Debuchy and Chambers some serious work to do, if they are to see more first team action next season.