Bellerín reveals TotS inclusion pride
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerín, has revealed his pride after being named in the 2015/16 PFA Team of the Season by his fellow professionals. The fullback, 21, has been one of the Gunners' best and most important players in an otherwise frustrating campaign in the red half of North London - with both his maturity and determination to establish his first-team credentials earning him deserved praise from both the manager and critics alike.
The Spain under-21 international had this to say, when questioned by the media following Arsenal's 2-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion on Thursday evening.
"Having the recognition of players, managers and football professionals is a great thing."
He continued, saying he felt "very proud" about the award, but insisted the fact that he would've "never managed" to achieve this without the presence of his team-mates.
"Playing for Arsenal helps, because all my team-mates help you improve and stand out. I am very thankful to my team-mates."
Following his impressive emergence within the Arsenal first-team ranks last season, he admitted the fact that the second season [as a professional] is "always the hardest", because you have to "prove the level you showed in your first season was not a coincidence."
The young Spaniard, who has been tipped to be included within Spain's senior set-up ahead of this summer's Euro 2016 tournament, was equally impressive against Tony Pulis' men on Thursday, and linked-up well with Alexis Sánchez on the right-hand side throughout. Although the Chilean unsurprisingly stole the show with a well-taken brace to seal a deserved victory, Bellerín was his usual tireless self: working hard defensively in support of the returning Per Mertesacker, whilst advancing forward when opportunities arose, to good effect.