Arsenal’s new man, Cristhian Mosquera, has been told the true test of his ability to deputise for William Saliba will come after the international break.
Mosquera showed he has what it takes to thrive in Saliba’s absence, especially after his assured 86 minute defensive shift in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, stepping in seamlessly for the Frenchman.
But Gael Clichy has raised a valid point about why it may be premature to judge the young Spaniard.
Mosquera warned
The ex Arsenal full back told Metro:
“Starting a game when people know you are going to start, they [the opposition] will have analysed your game during the week, looking at your weaknesses and strengths.
“Coming into a game when no one is expecting you, having not analysed how you play, is different. He will have been thinking about this for the last two weeks, thinking, ‘this is my time, I cannot mess around and miss this opportunity.’ He has to deliver and get to the level of William because he may only have a few weeks. This is a different story.
“When you come in, of course, you can crumble. I am not going to say it is easier [coming into a game like that], but no one expects you to do anything.”
It would be unfair to start doubting Mosquera, especially given how well he fared against one of the league’s deadliest attacks in Liverpool.
Still, Clichy’s warning carries weight, if Mosquera is to keep impressing, he will need to be at his absolute best. Opponents now know he is the real deal, and they will look to exploit any flaws in his game.
Gabriel key to Mosquera’s rise
It is clear Arteta rates him, given how glowing he has been when speaking of the Arsenal manager, and with the manager’s guidance, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Mosquera should have the foundation to handle whatever is thrown his way.
With Saliba sidelined for several weeks, Arsenal will be hoping the young Spaniard steps up and proves why his £13 million transfer was a masterstroke.
Your thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
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So playing at Anfield from the 5th minute wasn’t a true test? Laughable
Thrown in at Anfield deep end , Crithian Mosquera came through in flying colors.
It is the young Spaniard performance at Anfield that have been heaping pressure on the gaffer, as fans thought it was irresponsible in risking Saliba with the young and promising Mosquero at his disposal,
So promising is the young Spaniard ,they are pundit still puzzled of how Arsenal had manage to aquire the said player over the cemetery of talents and Man City..
With cemetery of talents still hovering over the Frenchman, and uncertainty continues to grow over contract extension, this unexpected run into the team by the young Spaniard, could be the changing of the guard
Regardless, he’s going to some make bad mistakes and hope everyone gives support as they have with Saliba and Gabriel when they’ve made bad errors. I can remember more than one occasion when Saliba said how important that was to him.
correction “make some bad mistakes”