Arsenal stars laud 'amazing' Cristhian Mosquera as defender makes composed UCL debut | OneFootball

The Spaniard arrived from Valencia in July and has hit the ground running

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Jurrien Timber lauded Cristhian Mosquera’s composure and work rate after the young centre-back excelled in his Champions League debut on Tuesday.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both came off the bench to score in the second half as Arsenal won 2-0, but a quality defensive performance also caught the eye.

The 21-year-old Mosquera, signed from Valencia this summer for £13million, shone as he made just his second competitive start for his new club, deputising for William Saliba as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Timber was impressed with Mosquera’s well-rounded performance, which defied his relatively meagre years.

“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.

He continued, adding the clean sheet would hopefully be the first of many in this Champions League campaign: “I think defensively the effort we put in, and the standards in that, is really high. Hopefully, many more clean sheets to come.”

Timber was not alone in his admiration. Legendary Arsenal defender Martin Keown echoed his praise, complimenting an astute buy from the club hierarchy.

“I think it's a good purchase,” he 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.”