Bellerin on pace, Theo and Christmas

Hector Bellerin is relishing the prospect of forming a fleet-footed partnership with Theo Walcott on Arsenal's right flank.

The Spanish youngster has broken into the first-team squad this season while the England international is close to a first-team return following a long-term injury.

Bellerin and Walcott both have claims to be Arsenal's quickest player and could be involved as the Gunners enter a hectic festive period.

"Hopefully we get to start a game together and hopefully then we can show people that pace on the right-hand side and obviously just help the team," Bellerin told Arsenal.com.

"Theo is a really important player for the squad. He showed it last season before he got injured and he’s been showing it for a few years now. The whole squad is waiting for him to come and help the team with his pace and we’re really happy that he’s going to be back really soon.

"A lot of people speak about our friendly rivalry but for me, we’re team-mates. We’re here to help each other and the team, so whether he’s quicker than me or I’m quicker than him, what we need to do is just use the pace to beat other teams.

"There’s a lot of banter about it but I’m just happy that we can play together."

Bellerin was on loan at Watford this time last year and he is excited about his first Christmas in the Arsenal squad.

"As a professional footballer, that’s what I live for because when you’re young you always get the Christmas presents and everything but I’m really looking forward to all the games," he said.

"I’m really looking forward to continue playing games and we’re going to face the Christmas period with confidence and a good atmosphere at the club because of the two victories we had [before Liverpool]. The whole squad is looking forward to the run of games."