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Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin expressed his delight on social media after he earned his first international Spain cap since 2016.

The £110,000-a-week (Spotrac) Gunners defender played on Wednesday night during Spain’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in a friendly match.

Despite a senior Spain call-up as a youngster over four years ago, the 25-year-old has been absent from his nation’s squad in recent years and it required a Jesus Navas injury during this current international break for him to be called up.

The full-back managed to impress during his 90 minutes against the Dutch, as he went close to providing an assist and injected plenty of energy out wide.

Bellerin posted on his Instagram after his Spain display, which promoted the response “big baller” from club teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

TBR’s View:

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has certainly restored some belief in Bellerin since he took charge at the Emirates Stadium and the defender is slowly getting back towards the exciting talent that once burst onto the scene at the North London club several years ago.

He’s received support from Arsenal teammate Maitland-Niles on social media and the duo were both fighting over the same right-back starting position last season.

But 23-year-old Englishman Maitland-Niles is more recognised as a midfielder and is currently trying to break into the team in that area.