Arsenal: 3 reasons Hector Bellerin is the perfect captain

2. He understands the club

Of the current squad, no player has been at Arsenal for longer than Bellerin has — Mesut Ozil has been agreed to a senior contract for longer, but Bellerin arrived at the club two years before the German. There is no one who understands the club as Bellerin does.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

The Spaniard has played in the academy, came through the youth teams after arriving from Barcelona, worked his way into the first team, then suffered several injury issues, including a torn ACL, and has embedded himself into the culture and history of Arsenal football club.

He also has a close relationship with supporters. Bellerin has been heavily criticised by portions of the fanbase before and has spoken out about the negative connotations that surround AFTV and their frequent spouting. His honesty has endeared him to many others at the club, and even those that criticised him during those difficult Arsene Wengers have since come to admire and respect him.

Bellerin’s self-awareness has entrenched him as one of the defining figures of Arsenal’s last decade. He has been a consistent starter when fit, is often put forward to speak to the media, and is one of the key links between the club and the fanbase. That is the type of individual you want as your captain.