Dani Ceballos & Hector Bellerin Learn Contrasting News

Dani Ceballos has drifted away from the Arsenal side lately.

Since penning a new one-year loan deal in the summer, Dani Ceballos has been a near ever-present for Arsenal, featuring in every Premier League match and starting three consecutive top-flight matches prior to the Old Trafford visit.

Not featuring at all against Manchester United in favour of Mohamed Elneny and playing 80 minutes against Molde in midweek hints to further time on the bench for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday.

Supporters are somewhat torn on where his best position is, as he’s gradually moved further away from the goal throughout his time in north London. Against the Norwegian side, he played even deeper than Granit Xhaka for most of the victory.

It could be that uncertainty which has impacted Luis Enrqiue’s decision not to include him in the Spain squad. In the most recent set of international fixtures, Ceballos played 45 minutes apiece against Portugal and Ukraine, but was an unused substitute in the win over Switzerland.

The news will come as a significant blow to the 24-year-old, who pushed for a return to Arsenal from Real Madrid with such intentions firmly in his mind. Whatever chances he may have had of playing for Spain, they’d likely have been greater if he was starting matches for Arsenal over Real Betis.

A response is needed, beyond merely knocking on the manager’s door for Sunday.

All of the above being in stark contrast to Hector Bellerin, who has earned a recall to the Spain squad for the first time in four years. Jesus Navas couldn’t link up with the side due to injury, prompting the right-back to be included as a late replacement.

Everyone at Arsenal will be chuffed to bits. Bellerin thoroughly deserves it.

One quarter of the best defence in the Premier League and with four assists in ten appearances across the campaign, there is little doubting that the Spaniard is in his richest vein of form to date.

He’s only ever played for La Roja on three occasions before – all friendlies – but will have the chance to stake a claim during a friendly against the Netherlands, as well as Nations League matches with Switzerland and Germany.

There’s a high chance he could play in all three clashes, with utility man Sergi Roberto the only other main candidate to fill in that role.

Well done, Hector!