Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin was sent off as Spain won their opening match of the UEFA under-19 tournament finals.
While Arsenal are off on a pre-season tour of the Far East, one of their future stars finds himself in Lithuania.
Right-back Hector Bellerin is in action for Spain’s under-19 team, as they attempt to become the first country to win the European tournament for the third year in succession.
He played a key role in their qualification, part of a defence which kept two clean sheets in three matches a couple of months ago as they sealed their passage to the finals.
And he did so again in their opening match of the finals, a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Bellerin had a fine game, linking up with star man Fede Vico down Spain’s right-hand side, only to spoil it right at the death.
With Spain hanging on defending their first half goal, scored by Sandro Ramirez of Barcelona, the Arsenal youngster made a late tackle and was handed a straight red card.
It means he misses the next match against hosts Lithuania, and another chance to impress onlookers.
The tournament has also seen a reported Arsenal transfer target Aleksandr Mitrovic of Partizan Belgrade get on the scoresheet for Serbia’s under-19 side in the opening round of matches.
Bellerin signed a new contract with the Gunners last week, and will hope to apply pressure on Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson next season.
In the short-term, he will simply hope to be recalled after suspension and head back to the Emirates with a winner’s medal in hand when the tournament reaches it’s climax at the end of July.
Can Bellerin make it at Arsenal? How much of a role do you expect him to play next season?
image: © NextGen Series
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