Cristhian Mosquera says his standout moment since joining Arsenal came in the fierce atmosphere of Anfield, calling the clash with Liverpool his early highlight.
For Cristhian Mosquera, the first few months at Arsenal have exceeded all expectations. The 21-year-old defender, signed from Valencia in the summer for a bargain €15m, has adapted quickly under Mikel Arteta, but one moment stands above the rest.
“I think for me it was the game against Liverpool at Anfield,” he said when asked for his highlights so far.
“I would say that can be one of those moments, but also every moment so far has been important. In the end, you have to enjoy every moment to the fullest. You’re in a club like Arsenal, and any player in the world would like to be in a club like this. So I think you have to express yourself and enjoy every moment you play and spend here at the club.”
That performance at Anfield highlighted exactly why Arteta brought him to north London. His pace, positioning and composure in possession have made him an early fan favourite, and his seamless adjustment to English football has been one of Arsenal’s quieter successes this season.
Mosquera says the transition has been made easier by the togetherness within the squad, particularly the support of Gabriel Magalhães, who has acted as a mentor. “To be honest, he’s a fundamental part of this group. He’s an incredible person,” Mosquera said.
“The truth is that since the first day, he’s been by my side, he’s been helping me. Also, with him being Spanish-speaking, that helps me a lot. He’s always close to me and he’s walked the same path as me too, because he arrived at a very big club when he was young. He had moments of having to adapt in his career, so playing alongside him is a pleasure for me too. He’s one of the best defenders in the world. I’m very happy to be able to play alongside him than to face him! That’s for sure, he’s an animal!”
Mosquera has already sampled the variety of English football environments, from the noise of Anfield to the tight, charged setting of Port Vale in the League Cup. “It was like you said, but you know you have to go to different stadiums than you’re used to in the Premier League. When you go to those places, you notice that every club here has a lot of fans, and every ground has a big atmosphere. So treat it like one more game, like it’s a league game.”
Off the pitch, life in London is beginning to feel familiar, even if his schedule offers little free time. “I haven’t had much time because we have games every two or three days, and we have to rest a lot in between that,” he said.
“We have to stay focused on what’s important, and that’s what I’m trying to do. But yes, I’ve had a little while to get to know London, which is an incredible city. I’ve been able to see it with the family, and they enjoy it too. I’m really happy with the change I have made to come here.”
For now, Mosquera’s focus remains on continuing his progress and repaying the faith Arsenal have shown in him. His highlight may have been Liverpool, but his maturity and calm assurance suggest there will be many more defining moments ahead.