Stepping into the spotlight on a popular football show, a young Hector Bellerin, then just 20, was tasked with the ultimate fan challenge: picking his all-time #One2Eleven. For a right-back whose Premier League debut had come only the season prior, this wasn’t a selection from a storied career but a heartfelt tribute to the mentors, teammates, and rivals who shaped his early path. On Jeetwin, we dive into this fascinating snapshot of Bellerin’s football world, a blend of Arsenal’s stalwarts and Spain’s brightest prospects, revealing the influences that helped forge a top defender.
Building from the Back: A Foundation of Mentors
For any young defender, confidence starts with a reliable last line of defence. Bellerin didn’t hesitate in naming Petr Cech as his goalkeeper. He highlighted not just Cech’s immense quality and experience, which elevated the entire Arsenal squad, but also the veteran’s role as a personal guide. “He’s given me a lot of advice as a young player… as a person, I rate him a lot,” Bellerin shared, emphasizing the human element behind the saves.
In the heart of his defence, Bellerin chose the duo of Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal. He praised Koscielny as “one of the top centre-backs in the world,” noting his technical skill and surprising goal threat. Alongside him, Monreal was selected not only for his adaptable performances but for his crucial role as a dressing-room elder brother. “Having these kind of people that help you when things go wrong… they can be like a big brother to you,” Bellerin explained, offering a rare insight into the support system vital for academy graduates.
Laurent Koscielny (left) celebrates after scoring Arsenal
Completing the back four were two full-backs who represented his past and future. At right-back, he paid homage to his direct predecessor at Arsenal, Bacary Sagna, calling him a “great mentor” who exemplified defensive solidity. On the opposite flank, he picked Spanish compatriot Jose Luis Gaya, a contemporary whose explosive attacking performances at Valencia signaled the rise of a new generation.
The Creative Engine: Magicians and Maestros
Bellerin‘s midfield trio reflected the technical brilliance he was immersed in at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground. He reserved special praise for Santi Cazorla, dubbed “the little magician” by his teammates. “Just training with him and seeing how good he is with both feet, I’ve never seen a player like that,” Bellerin admitted, captivated by the Spaniard’s unique ability to simplify the game.
The pinnacle of creative genius in his team, however, was Mesut Ozil. “I don’t think there’s a better No 10 than him at the moment,” Bellerin stated unequivocally. He recalled the awe of first training with the German, mesmerized by his visionary passing and football intelligence. For a young player, sharing a pitch with Ozil was a daily masterclass.
Mesut Ozil, Arsenal v Everton, Premier League
Alongside these established stars, Bellerin included Oliver Torres, a fellow Spanish youth international. He described Torres as a player who “makes you fall in love with football,” highlighting the relentless energy and technical quality that marked him as one of Spain’s top prospects.
The Fearsome Front Three: Pace, Power, and Pride
Bellerin‘s attack was a blend of the unstoppable force and a familiar friend. On the left wing, he selected the whirlwind that is Alexis Sanchez. From the perspective of a defender tasked with marking him in training, Bellerin’s choice was telling: “You literally never know what he’s going to do… it’s still so hard.” Sanchez’s unpredictability and explosive goal threat made him an indispensable and thrilling presence.
On the right, he chose Gerard Deulofeu, a selection rooted in shared history. Having grown up in the same area in Barcelona and played in local tournaments, their parallel journeys to the Premier League filled Bellerin with pride. It was a nod to the bonds formed long before the bright lights of the big league.
Leading the line was perhaps his most intriguing pick: Troy Deeney. This choice harked back to Bellerin’s loan spell at Watford, where as a slight 18-year-old, he learned a physical lesson against the powerful striker. “I tried to fight with him for a ball and I remember he looked at me as if to say: ‘Did you really try that?'” Bellerin recalled with amusement. Yet, he respected Deeney’s underrated technical quality and eye for goal, showcasing his appreciation for a complete centre-forward’s skill set.
Jeetwin Analysis: The Making of a Modern Full-Back
Looking back at this team selection through a modern lens offers a unique case study in player development. As football analyst Mark Thompson noted in a recent piece for Jeetwin, “A young player’s ideal XI often maps their influences and aspirations. Bellerin’s picks show a clear blend: defensive discipline learned from Sagna and Cech, combined with the attacking inspiration drawn from training alongside Cazorla, Ozil, and Sanchez.” This environment undoubtedly shaped Bellerin into the dynamic, forward-thinking full-back he became.
The team also underscores the importance of the dressing room culture. The mentions of Monreal’s brotherly support and Cech’s advice reveal that a player’s growth is about more than tactics; it’s about the ecosystem of mentorship and camaraderie at a top club.
Hector Bellerin’s Dream XI: A Snapshot of Influence and Aspiration
Hector Bellerin’s #One2Eleven was more than a list of great players; it was a personal footballing autobiography at age 20. It honored the defenders who taught him resilience, the magicians who inspired his creativity, and the strikers who tested his mettle. For fans on Jeetwin, it provides a captivating look at the foundational years of a professional, reminding us that every star is built upon the lessons learned from those who came before and those who stand beside them. It makes you wonder, who would be in your dream team from your own journey? Share your XI in the comments below and explore more exclusive player insights right here on Jeetwin.
