Hector Bellerin
Standing as one of Arsenal’s surprise candidates for player of the season last year, Bellerin is one of the hottest topics on Gunners fans minds at the moment.
The 20-year-old made a massive case for his services last year after initially being drafted in to replace the injured Debuchy.
But ever since he became a regular part of Wenger’s plans, the Arsenal community have a new-found love for their Spanish starlet.
Bellerin made 28 appearances in all competitions during the 2014/15 campaign, scoring two impressive goals against Liverpool and Aston Villa in the process.
The highlight of those appearances included the 90 minutes Bellerin played in Arsenal’s FA Cup final victory of Villa, as Arsene Wenger rewarded the right-back for his ability all season.
Confidence was high for the former Barcelona academy graduate, which could have had something to do with the fact there was nobody breathing down his neck.
But now, following the return of Debuchy, there is a need to perform just as well this season, and repay the boss for the faith he put in him.
Speaking in multiple pre-season interviews over the last few months, Bellerin has stressed his desire to prove to the fans he’s not just a one season wonder.
That proof began last Sunday, as Bellerin was handed the nod yet again as he shut out Eden Hazard in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield.
And not only was it another impressive showing on the pitch, there have been several signs that Bellerin is maturing as a player.
There have been no arguments when he was left out of the side, because this is a player who understands what it means to pull on an Arsenal shirt.
I fully expect Bellerin to start against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, simply because he hasn’t done anything wrong in the lead-up to this game.
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What he must now focus on is getting a hold of the game when Arsenal aren’t playing particularly well, something that he hasn’t had much experience of.
When things start to go badly in defence or Arsenal need to hold on for the final ten minutes, Bellerin must hold his nerve and remain calm in front of goal.
Any silly mistakes and it’s an easy decision for Wenger to simply place Debuchy back into the side, so focus is the key in this competition.