Peter Crouch has revealed that he’s been thoroughly impressed by one of Arsenal’s summer signings so far this season.
Arsenal edged past Athletic Club in Bilbao on Tuesday evening, courtesy of late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners have now won four of their opening five matches in all competitions this campaign, meaning it has been a positive start for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Andrea Berta spent over £250 million on eight players in the transfer window, and a few of these new additions are already making a significant impact in Arteta’s team.
Peter Crouch says Cristhian Mosquera has been ‘very good’ for Arsenal
Arsenal signed Cristhian Mosquera for just £13 million in the summer.
The Spaniard was brought in to provide cover and competition for William Saliba at centre-back, after the Frenchman had been overplayed last term.
Saliba sustained an injury at Anfield against Liverpool before the international break, and Mosquera has since come in for him and impressed.
Excellent on the ball and astute defensively, the 21-year-old has garnered plaudits from fans and pundits, and Peter Crouch is the latest to wax lyrical about the young defender.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast about Arsenal’s defence, the former Liverpool striker highlighted Mosquera, describing him as ‘very good’.
“The only thing is, Arsenal, look, they conceded 17 goals at home last season, and they’ve only conceded one goal this season,” he said.
“That Mosquera, as well, who came in for Saliba, is a player. Very good.”
Mikel Arteta will bring William Saliba back in for Cristhian Mosquera against Manchester City
Mosquera has indeed been excellent, showing remarkable composure and maturity in some hostile away atmospheres.
The former Valencia man has a huge future ahead of him at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, but he will be relegated to the bench for the visit of Manchester City to the Emirates this weekend.
It’s one of the Gunners’ biggest fixtures of the season, and Arteta will inevitably revert to his best possible starting eleven, which involves Saliba.
Dealing with Erling Haaland is very different to the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Chris Wood and Inaki Williams – the three strikers Mosquera has faced thus far.
Haaland presents a unique challenge, one that Saliba has conquered in the past, while Mosquera has little experience up against a player as physically dominant as the Norwegian. Thus, it’s a no-brainer decision for Arteta.
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