With the Capital One Cup game against West Bromwich Albion fast approaching, many are wondering whether Wenger will give 18 year-old Hector Bellerin his first-team debut, after giving Chuba Akpom and Serge Gnabry the opportunity in recent Premier League games. The young Spaniard has shown immense promise since signing alongside Jon Toral from FC Barcelona in 2011, and could be set to follow ‘Cesc Fabregas into the Arsenal first-team sometime soon.
He enjoyed a very successful season in 2012/13 in the Under-21 squad, displaying high levels of energy, creativity and technical ability, including a wonderful half-volley against Manchester United. However, while his attacking prowess is not under question, is he defensively ready yet? In the Premier League for example, he may be caught out of position due to his constant forward runs, and he will learn as he progresses, to become more disciplined in terms of his positioning.
If Bacary Sagna signs a new contract, he will likely favour a more central role in the future, admitting himself that he is unsure how much longer he can ‘put in the effort required’ to play right-back. This opens a new door for young Hector, as if Sagna becomes a full-time centre-back at the end of the season, Bellerin could potentially assume a role as understudy to Carl Jenkinson, provided no new signings arrive in such a position.
Martin Montoya and Sébastien Corchia have been heavily linked with the Gunners all summer, with the former’s contract expiring at the end of the season – this would mean that Arsenal could sign a pre-contract agreement with him in January, however, could Bellerin impress Wenger enough to prevent him making any such purchases?
In his time at the club, Wenger has been often known to give young players a chance in the League Cup over the years, which has not only given them their first-team debuts, but invaluable experience against top-class players. With both Sagna and Jenkinson having played a lot of games recently, a rest would surely prove prudent, and this could be just the chance that the Spain Under-19 international has been waiting for.
Another interesting proposition, is perhaps giving him a chance to play on the wing. This is a familiar position for Bellerin, having spent much of his time at La Masia there, and even if he is found to be lacking defensively, his intelligent runs and superb technical nous offer the team another option. It could also be argued, that he isn’t physically ready at the tender age of just 18 to start as defender, especially against tough Premier League opposition like West Brom.
A loan move should also not be ruled out, but with both a currently thin first-team squad and also few defensive options at Under-21 level, it appears highly unlikely that such a deal would be sanctioned anytime soon, but perhaps later in the season when players have returned from injury.
This could also be an opportunity to impress for many other youngsters, including the newly-signed Ajayi, and also Gnabry, Miyaichi, Hayden, Frimpong, Eisfeld, Boateng and Akpom.
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Photo by Kieran Clarke