Will Hector Bellerin leave Arsenal and go back to Barcelona?
When Hector Bellerin made the decision to leave Barcelona for Arsenal, people around him were concerned whether he had made the right choice. He had grown up at Barcelona, coming through the academy where he spent eight years. He was just 16 and moving to a new country, a new language and a new style of play was considered to be a big risk for such a young player.
Bellerin breaks into Arsenal team at just 18
Aged 18, Bellerin made his Arsenal debut and this went some way to justify his decision to leave the Catalan giants. He then spent a short time at Watford on loan to get some more experience, where he played in eight matches.
In the 2014-15 season, he played in 20 Premier League matches, as Arsene Wenger put faith in the youngster to perform at the highest level. Since then, he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Alves stood in his way at Barca
In 2011 when Bellerin was looking at how his first team chances looked at Barcelona, there was one big barrier in the shape of Dani Alves playing at right back. Alves was probably the best right-back in the world at the time and as a 16-year-old, you would not fancy your chances.
After missing out on the Spain World Cup squad, Bellerin has had time to reflect on his journey, saying of Barcelona: “I wasn’t feeling like they were showing me on paper what they were saying – let’s put it that way. I’m not talking just financially, but also in terms of my path into the first team.”
Time for another move for Hector Bellerin?
Arsene Wenger got in touch and the rest is history, although his recent performances have gained a lot of attention and he is now being linked with a possible move back to his home team. With Dani Alves now moved on to PSG, the pathway seems a bit clearer for him. Whether he chooses to stay and be part of the new Arsenal manager’s revolution, or returns home remains to be seen but he has really established himself in the game. Missing out on the national team squad for the World Cup may have given him some food for thought though.
