Arsenal legend Tony Adams insists defender Hector Bellerin needs to concentrate on the basics while comparing his north London derby display to the early performances of fellow Gunners cult hero Lee Dixon, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur yesterday and, despite looking a threat from out wide, constantly left themselves exposed to Spurs’ pace on the counter-attack.
Bellerin, who is known for his marauding runs, was caught out of position on a number of occasions during the match.
The Spanish full-back was well up the pitch when Heung-min Son opened the scoring.
The South Korean was allowed to pick the ball up in Arsenal’s half and drive forward before curling a stunner into the far corner.
Bellerin couldn’t escape all blame for Tottenham’s second either, with another swift break ending with Son setting up Harry Kane to smash home off the underside of the bar.
Adams: ‘Do your job first’
Adams suggested Bellerin should have been more disciplined and should know when to get forward and when to sit back.
He said: “Where was Hector when that first goal was going in? He’s up the pitch. Do your job first.
“Learn how to be a good defender, keep clean sheets, then take it from there.”
The next Lee Dixon?
Adams then compared Bellerin’s forward-thinking nature with his former Arsenal double-winning teammate Lee Dixon.
Adams said: “He’s no better or no worse than Lee Dixon when he came to the club. He was playing like a right-winger.
“I went, ‘Dicko, come here. Sit here. Learn your job. First and foremost stop that ball going in the back of the net.’”
Considering Dixon won four league titles at Arsenal among other silverware, there’s still time for Bellerin to push his way into the club’s hall of greats. As long as he gets the defensive side of his game right first, according to Adams.
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