MY ACCOUNT
Hector Bellerin could take a step closer to a permanent summer move to Real Betis by helping the club he supported as a boy win at Real Sociedad this evening.
The Arsenal loan star has become a regular at right-back in Manuel Pellegrini’s revitalised team and three points from their trip to San Sebastian would see Real Betis leapfrog Atlético de Madrid into fourth place in the championship.
Former Arsenal wing magician Robert Pires, who signed for Pellegrini at Villarreal in 2006-07, revealed he played a part in Bellerin choosing Real Betis as his new home after 10 years in North London.
Speaking exclusively to official LaLiga Global Partners LiveScore in his role as an official LaLiga ambassador, Pires said: “Hector Bellerin has had a good impact at Real Betis. He’s a professional.
“For him at the end with Arsenal it was difficult to find a position so he chose to join LaLiga, especially Real Betis.
“He called me and asked me about the manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who was my manager at Villarreal.
“I said Hector, look, if you have the opportunity to play with Pellegrini you need to go, because you will enjoy it.
“The most important thing is to enjoy your football. Not just playing the game itself, of course that’s important. But also every morning, being at Real Betis, going in to the club.
“Hector Bellerin has a lot of experience at a high level and I’m happy for him that he is at Real Betis.”
While Bellerin has flourished this season in LaLiga, it’s been a different story for January arrival Anthony Martial.
The on-loan Manchester United striker is still seeking his first LaLiga goal for Sevilla, so the visit of runaway championship leaders Real Madrid to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Sunday would be the perfect time for the Frenchman to silence his critics.
Pires had a hugely successful career in both Spain and England’s top divisions and knows only too well what it is like trying to prove yourself in a new country.
“Anthony Martial is a great player,” Pires said. “I think he can be a success, but I always say the same in these situations, being able to adapt to new surroundings is not so easy.
“For a short loan period in a new country you need a strong character, discipline and it’s not easy.
“I don’t know if he can speak Spanish because that can sometimes be a problem if you don’t have the same language. People say that to play football it’s easy, but no, believe me, it’s not easy.
“You need to be able to change very quickly. He’s on loan and for him the most important thing this year is to play because he wants to play in the World Cup with France in Qatar.”
Real Madrid arrive with a 12-point cushion at the top of LaLiga with just seven games left to play and Sunday’s showdown is likely to be Martial’s last big chance to impress before returning to England in the summer.
“For Anthony Martial this is a good opportunity,” Pires said. “I’m not sure what will happen next season as he is on loan, like I say.
“But you need always to prove yourself and that’s the most difficult thing for a professional footballer.
“I believe in Anthony Martial because he has very good qualities.”
Asked whether Sevilla could spring a surprise on Karim Benzema and Co, Pires said: “At home? Yes.
“The Sanchez-Pizjuan has an incredible atmosphere and especially when they play against Real Madrid, the atmosphere is electric.
“So yes, I think Sevilla can win this game at home.
“I love the atmosphere in that stadium. For me it is the best in Spain.”
LiveScore are an Official Global Partner of LaLiga.
