Arsenal: Aarons, Lamptey and 4 potential Hector Bellerin replacements

Arsenal: Max Aarons, Tariq Lamptey and 4 potential Hector Bellerin replacements

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on February 14, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

ALMELO, NETHERLANDS – FEBRUARY 13: Noussair Mazraoui of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo v Ajax at the Polman Stadium on February 13, 2021 in Almelo Netherlands (Photo by Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Noussair Mazraoui – Ajax

Another product of the legendary Ajax youth system, Noussair Mazraoui is tipped to have a big future in the game with a move to one of the top five divisions in Europe mooted.

As a full-back in a free flowing Ajax setup he is adept at tucking infield and taking up a a central midfield position – much like Bellerin does under Mikel Arteta – where he can seek out passes through the lines or burst through them himself.

The Dutch-born Moroccan is comfortable playing high and wide just as he is cutting inside, often striking a fine partnership centrally with the offensive No. 10. Granted h’s not brilliant at beating his man on the overlap, but when finding the right spaces is solid at taking advantage of the opportunity presented.

Like most modern right-backs, defensively there is room for improvement. However, in terms of those available he is certainly stronger and more well-rounded than most and has no outright weaknesses.

Come the summer he’ll have two years left to run on his Ajax deal and at 23 years old, could provide a valuable long-term option.

Home/Arsenal News