Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin has termed last year's Emirates Cup match against Benfica as the turning point of his career.
The Spaniard impressed on his home debut for the Gunners in the tournament as they beat the Portuguese side 5-1 in the two-day event.
That was just the beginning, as the youngster managed to catch manager Arsene Wenger's eye, helping him secure regular first-team football in the absence of first team players due to injury
The 20-year-old in fact managed a total of 28 appearances, scoring two goals and providing his team-mates with a single assist.
While eagerly awaiting the chance to play in the tournament yet again this weekend, the right-back took time to speak about how important the game turned out to be in helping him become a regular first-team player.
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“It was definitely a really good game [against Benfica]”, Bellerin told his club's official website.
“It was the game that gave me the chance to prove myself, and show everyone what I could do.
“It was probably one of the games that was a real turning point of my career. It was a great experience, against a great team and the whole side put in a really good performance, hopefully we can do it again this year.
“It's definitely been a really good year for me [since then]. If you had told me back then that it would have turned out like this, I wouldn't have believed you.
“So the Emirates Cup is a good chance for young players to prove themselves, because we are playing against really good teams again. It's a good chance to get the fitness back as well, and to feel competition as well."
German outfit Wolfsburg, French outfit Lyon and Spanish side Villarreal will be taking part in the tournament that will be held this weekend at Arsenal's home ground, the Emirates Stadium.
