Mundo Deportivo has offered a glowing review of Mariona Caldentey’s transformative role at Arsenal, describing the Spanish international as the “leader of the new Arsenal” ahead of the club’s Champions League final against Barcelona.
The article highlights how Mariona, who left Barcelona last summer, has thrived in London, emerging as the offensive catalyst for an Arsenal team that is no longer recognisable from the start of the season.
The Spanish outlet correctly notes that Arsenal’s campaign turned sharply following the managerial switch in January, when Renée Slegers replaced Jonas Eidevall, steering the team into a new era of high-press, and direct, confident football.
In Mundo Deportivo’s words, Mariona Caldentey has “found the perfect stage in London to lead, to score, and to take on responsibility.” She has contributed seven goals and four assists so far this season and, crucially, has imposed control into an attack that also features Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Caitlin Foord.
The report also underlines that while Arsenal’s resurgence has been spectacular, eliminating Real Madrid and overturning Lyon in stunning fashion, it is not without issues due to their inexperience at this level.
Yet Mundo Deportivo suggests Arsenal believe their moment has arrived.
In particular, Mariona’s maturity and tactical intelligence have been singled out as key reasons why the Gunners are seen as genuine threats to the Spanish champions in Lisbon next month.
It is not lost on the Spanish press that Mariona, a former Barça icon, could be the one to derail her old club’s European ambitions.
In that respect, Arsenal might have found in her not just a marquee signing but the driving force of their resurgence.