Arsenal's Youngsters: Hector Bellerin & Jon Toral

A few weeks back I started a new series on my blog, in which I'm taking a look into the players that could well become Arsenal's future stars. The first one saw me feature Kris Olsson and for the second in this series I will be taking a look into two players. Both of them are closely linked with each other. They are 18 year old Spaniards, Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral.

Both signed from Barcelona in the summer of 2011, Bellerin and Toral are tipped to become stars at Arsenal in the future. 16 year old's at the time of signing for the club, it had a bit of a Cesc Fabregas theme to it, whether they'll become as big a player as Cesc himself remains to be seen. Their moves came about as a bit of a surprise to them, especially to Hector. He was due to sign a new contract with Barcelona but instead Arsenal came calling and he decided to sign for the Gunners. His decision had been made easier by Toral who had already signed for us, wanting to prove himself in the country in which his mother is from. Jon is half Spanish and English so the switch from Spain to England was a fairly simple one.

Arsenal's Spanish duo; Bellerin and Toral

Hector Bellerin is more of a modern day right back, an attacking one which makes his style of football such an attractive one. He's had more of an impact so far at Arsenal than his compatriot Toral. He starred in the U21 side last season and had a successful campaign in the NextGen series. He played 21 times last season including 6 substitute appearances. He also managed to bag himself 4 goals proving that not just is he good in defence but he's also good in attack. He can also play at right wing which just proves his ability down that right hand side. He was named on the bench in the first team twice last season in the League Cup as he watched Arsenal beat Reading and Coventry. However his first team chance came this season as he came on against West Brom for Mikel Arteta in extra time. He came on in central midfield, a role not usually associated with him but he did well and almost scored a goal.

Onto Jon Toral who is as equally talented as Hector. Jon plays in midfield and his game can be compared to the likes of Frank Lampard. His game is very similar and he also scores goals when presented with the opportunities. He is a left footed player and has great vision with an eye for goal as mentioned. He had a good first half of the season last term but his opportunities to develop were hindered through injury. Something which has seemed to be a problem since arriving at the club. Still, last season he played 17 times + 1 sub appearance scoring 6 goals. Arsenal's first team midfield is jam packed with great talent and so is the reserve squad. Eisfeld, Zelalem, Olsson and Toral himself are all battling it out for regular starting places in Steve Gatting's side.

Both players clearly have the talent and look as though they should have successful careers. Bellerin I'm certain will become a regular in the Arsenal side when he grows older. He'll only get better and Wenger clearly sees his talent having put him on the bench a few times in the League Cup. His battle with Jenkinson for the right back spot in future campaigns could be an exciting one. As for Toral his future is less from certain. He is a gifted midfielder, something that Arsenal have a lot of. However if he stays clear of injuries and continues to impress I'm sure he'll be able to work his way up into the first team.

                                      Video of Hector Bellerin in action for Arsenal: