Arsenal suddenly have a major concern at right-back ahead of the Champions League final.
Ben White is out for the rest of the season, while Jurrien Timber’s availability remains uncertain despite him appearing to return to training on Saturday.
That means there is a genuine possibility Cristhian Mosquera could start at right-back against PSG in Budapest. If that happens, the Spaniard will likely spend most of the night dealing with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Mosquera may possess one key trait needed to stop him.
🤕 Fill in the blank: _________ should start at right-back for Arsenal after Ben White’s injury…
Jurrien Timber remains sidelined!
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera describes himself using one word
Kvaratskhelia is arguably the most dangerous winger in world football right now.
The Georgian’s pace, close control and dribbling ability make him an absolute nightmare for defenders in one-v-one situations.
Very few full-backs are capable of consistently dealing with him over 90 minutes. However, one thing defenders absolutely need against Kvaratskhelia is agility.
If a defender is slow when turning or changing direction, the PSG star will destroy them. That is exactly why Arsenal supporters may feel encouraged by how Mosquera recently described himself.
When asked to use one word to explain his game, the Spaniard chose in a video on Topps FC: “Agile.”
That quality could prove incredibly important in the Champions League final.
Last season, Timber used his agility brilliantly to shut Kvaratskhelia down when Arsenal beat PSG in the league phase of the Champions League.
If Mosquera starts in Budapest, he will hope to produce something very similar.
😬 Which PSG player worries you the most for the Champions League final?
Arsenal fans should trust Cristhian Mosquera if he starts against PSG
There will naturally be nerves among Arsenal supporters if Timber is unavailable for the final. However, Mosquera has honestly done very little wrong since arriving at the club.
Whether at centre-back or right-back, the Spaniard has consistently looked calm, reliable and mature beyond his years.
He has already produced several excellent performances in big moments this season.
Of course, Arsenal would ideally prefer a fully fit Timber or even White available to face Kvaratskhelia and PSG in the final.
But Mosquera is absolutely capable of doing the job and potentially even shutting down the best winger in the world in Budapest.
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