Arsenal believe Cristhian Mosquera could become one of the best defenders in the world, according to a report, following the centre-back’s strong start.
Isaan Khan reports for the Daily Mail that sources at Arsenal have told the outlet that they believe Cristhian Mosquera could become one of the best defenders in the world.
In addition to his playing ability, Mosquera’s friendly attitude has also reportedly gone down well with teammates.
Arsenal reportedly view the player as having both the quality and the durability to allow Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba to have sufficient rest this season, unlike in previous campaigns.
One source familiar with Mosquera since his academy days with Valencia told Khan that the player has a good blend of Gabriel’s physicality and Saliba’s pace.
The same source praised Mosquera as a “nice guy, especially off the pitch, but when he needs to get the man, he will leave a mark on you”.
With Saliba picking up an injury against Liverpool and Mosquera playing the next 265 minutes of football for Arsenal, Gunners fans have already got a good look at the 21-year-old’s impressive physicality and defensive ability.
It seems likely that Mosquera won’t often have to fill in for Gabriel directly. Fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie should be able to do that, as well as Riccardo Calafiori.
Instead, Mosquera can rotate with Saliba whilst also providing cover at right-back. That’s where he made his competitive Arsenal debut against Leeds United, coming on for Jurrien Timber in Ben White’s injury absence.
Given his age and the quality he’s already showing in Premier League and Champions League football, it’s certainly not impossible that Mosquera could be up there with the world’s best defenders in a few years.