Cristhian Mosquera, Valencia’s young star defender, has been on everyone’s lips over the last few months. It’s not just his fancy footwork that’s captured headlines. Over the course of the past two seasons, he’s obliterated the competition. No other player 21 or younger in any of Europe’s big five leagues has logged more minutes this season than his astounding 6,394 minutes. This accomplishment places him atop one of the most impressive lists compiled of youth talent in Europe’s top five leagues.
Having only recently celebrated his 21st birthday in June, Mosquera’s journey is still remarkable. He had a great start to his professional career debuting at only 19 years of age. Since then, he’s already made an impressive 70 league appearances for Valencia out of a possible 72. His adaptability and physical attributes allow him to compete effectively with established defenders like Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at Arsenal. He is a big kid, as he stands over 6’2. Using his large physical frame, he uses his agility and speed to come in and win the ball both cleanly and forcefully.
You can tell how much Mosquera has grown as a player, especially with the confidence he’s developed in his passing game. Last year, he took great strides. He finished a greater percentage of his passes while raising the share of passes he threw in a more progressive, forward direction. His high accuracy rate of 91.2 percent further highlights his boost in confidence and proficiency in helping initiate Valencia’s build-up attack.
Despite his strengths, Mosquera still faces challenges. He’s had some serious issues defending set-pieces that have led to team-wide problems for Valencia. Aerially was a clear weak point in his limited but promising tenure, and he’s already working to establish even more menace in the skies. Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff at Arsenal are obviously excited to maximize what Mosquera is already good at, while working to develop his other qualities.
“In terms of playing out from the back, he improved a lot with the arrival of Carlos Corberan at Valencia and with his promotion to Spain’s U21s,” – Valencia source.
Mosquera’s ability to play at the highest level, poetic as that sounds, was proven most recently against Real Madrid and world-class players like Kylian Mbappe. Last year, he almost led all of Arsenal in aerial dual win rate, finishing only behind Ben White. This remarkable display of skill highlights his ability to win aerial duels.
For example, Mosquera is not yet as refined/precise as more established center-backs, like Pau Torres. Though none of that helps him on the field right now, he is doing everything he can to ensure fewer mistakes happen there today. That latter part in particular, his ability to provide fluidity in possession, has taken a step forward.
“He doesn’t have the level of other centre-backs like Pau Torres, who are really good at it, but he has reduced the number of errors he was making. He is providing more fluidity in possession and now has the courage to drive forward to open up passing lanes,” – Valencia source.
As he takes the next step in his development, there are four major parts of his game that he needs to focus on improving. Mosquera really shines through his intensity and aggressiveness defensively. Even he could use a little help honing his decision-making acumen. Knowing when to back down or stay strong will be vital to his development.
“He needs to work on some key aspects, like his decision-making. He is intense and aggressive in the way he defends but sometimes he needs to choose the right moments and understand when it would be better to drop back or hold his position,” – former staffer in Valencia’s scouting and analysis department.
With every game Cristhian Mosquera affirms his status as one of the future brightest young defenders of European football. His journey is only starting. All indications are that he’s well on his way to becoming a major influence for both his club and nation.
“He is a player who has shown great potential in a short period of time,” – former staffer in Valencia’s scouting and analysis department.
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