Bacary Sagna has praised Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin in Goal.com and has defended him against criticism.
The former Arsenal and France international right-back has reminded the Gunners’ fans the injury problems that Bellerin has had.
The 26-year-old right-back was brilliant when he burst onto the scene and looked like he could develop into a world-class footballer.
Although the Spain international remains a very good player, it seems that he has lost a yard of pace since he suffered cruciate ligament rupture in January 2019 that kept him on the sidelines for 240 days, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk.
Bellerin also had hamstring problems last season that saw him out of action for 39 days, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk.
Sagna – who also spoke highly of Arsenal-linked Achraf Hakimi – has given his take on Bellerin.
The Frenchman told Goal.com about Bellerin: “I want to give credit to Hector no matter what. He has been criticised a lot. He was one of the best, but he got a big injury and I think people forget that.
“It’s never easy to get a cruciate ligament [injury] and then come back to your best. He’s coming back to his best now, but it takes time.”
Important player for Arsenal
Bellerin is still only 26, and there is every chance that the Spain international right-back could get back to the player he was before his injury.
The right-back is an important player in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s team, who are aiming to finish in the Premier League top four and win the Europe League this season.
According to WhoScored, the right-back has scored one goal and provided two assists in 22 Premier League games and has provided one assists in five Europa League matches for Arsenal so far this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
