Mikel Arteta could use Cristhian Mosquera in a brand-new position at Arsenal, he’s never played there before

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Cristhian Mosquera is close to joining Arsenal.

The talented Valencia centre-back has been one of the most promising centre-backs in La Liga over the last two years, and he was due a big move.

Arsenal identified Mosquera as a target once he entered the final year of his contract, and the Spaniard has travelled to London to complete his move.

Mosquera is mostly expected to play as a defender, but Mikel Arteta could surprise Arsenal fans at some point.

Cristhian Mosquera could play in a new position at Arsenal

Most of Cristhian Mosquera’s games in his senior professional career have come at centre-back, while he has played a few times at right-back as well.

It is obvious that Arteta will use him in one of those two roles, mainly as a central defender but also as an emergency option out wide.

But, there could be another position Mosquera could play in, if Ben Jacobs’ assessment of the Spaniard is right.

The journalist said earlier in July, while speaking to Bhavss14: “This is a profile Arsenal like because they feel that he’ll be patient, he’s quite versatile, he’s excellent at winning duels, he’s intelligent at how he reads the game, and he covers other positions where he doesn’t traditionally play.

“So, if you watch him off the ball when others are in possession, as players are moving forwards into advanced positions, if he’s on the ball, he’s a progressive passer.

“If he’s off it, he’s very alert to the line in case there’s a counterattack to make sure that you can step out if needed, and he’s very alert to moving cleverly into space so he can get to the ball quickly.

“That’s a kind of quality we associate more with a number six, you think Moises Caicedo at Chelsea. So he’s actually got some sort of defensive midfield qualities about him even though he’s a defender.”

Mosquera has never played as a defensive midfielder before, but his skills could convince Arteta to give him an opportunity there at some point next season.

Mikel Arteta should use another Arsenal player in different roles

Mosquera’s arrival and ability to play in both centre-half positions as well as at right-back make Arsenal much stronger than they were last season.

This move will also allow Arteta to experiment at times, and there’s no better player to use in a different role than Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian is naturally a centre-back, but Arteta has preferred him at left-back. However, we think Calafiori can play absolutely everywhere.

The former Bologna man looked very good in attack every time he played last season, and he even scored a brilliant striker’s goal against PSV in the Champions League.

We’re not saying Calafiori should play up top — even though that will be a fascinating watch — but we would love to see him get a few opportunities in more advanced roles.