Spain call Mosquera into senior squad as Colombia’s hopes of a late switch fade
Cristhian Mosquera has seemingly settled the question of his international future, with confirmation that the Arsenal defender has been called up by Spain for their forthcoming friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
For Colombia, who had worked to bring him into their own set up, this senior summons from Luis de la Fuente is a significant blow.
As Under-21 coach David Gordo explains, “When we see that a player reaches the senior national team, those of us who have known them since they were so young and have worked on their development feel a sensation similar to having won a European Championship or a World Cup.
“We work for that and it means achieving one of the objectives you had set yourself. Cristhian Mosquera is the example to follow, from the Under 15s to the senior side, going through all the age groups.”
De la Fuente has been equally effusive. “Mosquera is another important player who joins our cause. He is having a great season with Arsenal and his versatility is key, since he can perform both as a centre back and as a full back.
“The situation with the centre backs does not worry me, he gives us a lot of versatility, he is very fast, always maintains his concentration and has all the background of having come through the youth ranks. It is difficult to have a better calling card.”
With every passing week, the €15m Arsenal paid Valencia for him in the summer seems more like robbery.
Colombia did attempt to move first. In 2023 they tried to bring Mosquera into their Under 20 team under Héctor Cárdenas, but “the player had prioritised being with La Roja, he maintained his stance of focusing on Spanish football, having even played at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” writes La Opinión. 1.
Even though FIFA rules technically allow a dual national to switch as long as they have not played more than three senior matches before 21 and have not appeared in the finals of a World Cup or continental tournament, it seems as if Mosquera’s decision has been made.