Héctor Bellerín has directly criticised Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente for overlooking Real Betis players. The right-back, in an interview with 'Libre y Directo' on Radio Sevilla-Cadena Ser, stated that the national team selectors appear to watch few of the club's matches.
"It seems that here at Betis they tend to watch few of our games," Bellerín said. "There are players at a very high level, it's impossible to talk about Valles without thinking of a well-deserved call-up to the national team, he is right now the best goalkeeper in the league by a distance. Maybe the connection is lost or something."
A history of omissions
The defender did not limit himself to the goalkeeper's case. He recalled that when Betis won the Copa del Rey, Juanmi was the team's top scorer, but the call-up eventually went to Borja Iglesias. He also mentioned Santi Canales and Sergi Fornals as examples of club players who, in their time, deserved a chance with the senior side but did not get one, despite their performances.
Bellerín clarified, however, that his personal focus is not on the national team. The player, who wore the Spain shirt in 2020 under Luis Enrique, joked that he retired internationally at age 21 after the Euros, though he noted it was a joke. His full commitment is to Real Betis, a team sitting third in La Liga with 16 points after seven games and on a five-match unbeaten run.
Contract and future
Regarding his contractual situation, the player clarified a previous error. "I end my contract in 2027, which due to limit issues was announced as 2028, but we had to make a change in the end," he explained. Bellerín highlighted the mutual trust with the club and said he speaks daily with captain Manu about team matters.
The role of manager Manuel Pellegrini was another key point in his comments. Bellerín praised the Chilean coach for building a consistent team spirit and rising results, to the point that he would find it strange to be at Betis without Pellegrini in charge, though he respects any decision taken by the club and the coach himself.
With eyes on the immediate future, Betis face their next league match against Osasuna at the Benito Villamarín on October 11th, a key game to maintain pressure at the top of the table. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and this season's squad on squad. The team arrives after a 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna and a 1-0 win over Getafe, demonstrating a defensive solidity in which Álvaro Valles, having played every minute this season, has been key to earning 16 of the 21 possible points.
Read the full report at ABC Deportes
