Bellerin - I'm relishing first-team role

Hector Bellerin insists that the so called 'second season syndrome' won't affect him as he looks to build on an outstanding breakthrough campaign.

The 20-year-old Spaniard made 28 appearances across all competitions last season, and it's still less than a year since he made his Premier League debut.

It's often said to be difficult for players to maintain their form during the second season in the first team, but speaking ahead of the weekend's crucial encounter with Manchester United, Bellerin says that he's a better player thanks to the exposure he received last term.

"A lot of people talk about that second season stuff but what plays in your favour is that I played 28 games last season," he told the matchday programme.

"I’m confident, I know that I can play and you know that all the experiences always play in your favour. You’ve got both sides of it - people saying that other teams know what you play like and know how to stop you, but you’ve got the confidence and the experience.

"I’m finding it very good and I’m very happy that the boss is giving me as many opportunities as last year and that I’m playing the minutes I want."

Bellerin added that the weight of expectation he feels since becoming a regular member of the first team squad has helped to develop his game.

"At the beginning of the first season, you don’t have that pressure to perform at 100 per cent, because it’s always hard when you first start. But now, in the second season, people are expecting big things from you, so you can’t really disappoint them.

"You have to play your A game in every single match and that’s a good thing. That’s something that makes you grow as a player and for me this season is hopefully about getting the same minutes, starting every game and helping the team to do great things."