Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has revealed that his performance against Benfica in the Emirates Cup last year was a "turning point" in his career.

The 20-year-old broke into the Gunners' first team last season and impressed boss Arsene Wenger enough to be rewarded with a new long-term contract.

Bellerin has pinpointed the pre-season match against Benfica as the moment where he pushed himself into contention for a starting place with Wenger's men.

"It was definitely a really good game [against Benfica]," he told the 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."

Arsenal face Lyon in their first match of the Emirates Cup later today.