Arsenal showed grit and eked out a 2-0 win over Athletic Club to kick-start their UEFA Champions League campaign in Bilbao.
The Gunners struggled to match Athletic Club’s physicality and also failed to break down the La Liga club’s tight defense.
However, things changed drastically when Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scored a goal each to hand a crucial win away from home.
While Martinelli took the credit of the win as he had a role in both the goals, Cristhian Mosquera also was exceptional in defense.
The 21-year-old showed calmness beyond his years on his Champions League debut for the Gunners, deputizing for William Saliba.
The Frenchman, who is out injured was hardly missed by Mikel Arteta or the fans as Mosquera delivered some outstanding performances.
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The Spaniard has adapted to life at Arsenal really quickly, so much so that his Gunners teammate Jurrien Timber has hailed the young defender.
“He does amazing,” the Dutchman told TNT Sports at full-time. “Still so young, the way he comes in, it looks so easy for him, winning his duels and on the ball as well.
“It is great to have him next to me, and I think he has a bright future ahead as well.
“I think defensively the effort we put in, and the standards in that, is really high. Hopefully, many more clean sheets to come.”
Former Arsenal great Martin Keown also showers praise on Mosquera
Mosquera moved to Arsenal from Valencia for a meagre £13 million, with an additional £3.5m add-ons.
While some people were skeptical about the youngster, he has turned out to be a sensational signing for Arsenal.
Some people are already claiming him to be the bargain of the summer transfer window as he has hardly put a foot wrong ever since making the switch.
Former Arsenal player and football pundit, Martin Keown was also impressed by the 21-year-old and feels he has a similar calibre to that of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
“I think it’s a good purchase,” Keown explained. “He’s in the same DNA as Saliba and Gabriel, it’s joined-up thinking.
“I didn’t know if (Jakub) Kiwior was quite at the level of the other two, I’m being absolutely honest.
“This fella, mobile, quick, strong, there’s a lot more to come. He’s put in some really good performances.”
Mosquera will most likely start in Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Manchester City with Saliba still recovering.
Therefore, it will be a great challenge for the Spaniard to deal with players like Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and company.
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