Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger commented on Hector Bellerin ahead of his side’s clash against Besiktas in the Champions League playoff tie.
Hector Bellerin is only 19 years of age and has yet to make a Premier League appearance for Arsenal, but judging by Arsene Wenger’s comments at the weekend, he could well play a role this season.
Speaking after the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and looking ahead to their Champions League playoff tie against Besiktas on Tuesday, Wenger said: ‘We will assess Koscielny on Monday; if he’s fit and capable to play, we play him.
‘It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton. But in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker.
‘But we have Bellerin, who was 19 today, who can come in. we are a bit short. I hope Koscielny responds well to today’s game’
Bellerin may not be needed after all for the first leg of the tie at the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul, as Laurent Koscielny has been passed fit to start against Besiktas and will have Calum Chambers at centre-back, with Mathieu Debuchy being deployed at right-back.
However, the fact that Wenger believes that the 19-year-old right-back has the potential to play in such a key match demonstrates that he does have a role in the first team this season.
The Spaniard teenager left Barcelona in the summer of 2011 and signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2013.
Bellerin, who had a short spell on loan at Championship club Watford last season, turned heads around with his performance against Benfica in the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.
At 19, the Spaniard has a lot to learn and improve upon. He is unlikely to get too much playing time (at least in the initial stages) because of the competition from France international Debuchy and the versatile Chambers, but he certainly appears to be a player that Wenger could use this campaign in cup competitions and as emergency cover.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
