Arsenal legend Martin Keown was impressed by one of the Gunners’ younger players in the Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao.
Arsenal had a tough start to their Champions League campaign in the intimidating San Mames, but they got the job done.
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute, latching onto a ball over the top by Leandro Trossard and firing home just 36 seconds after coming on.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
Martinelli then repaid the favour, teeing Trossard up for an effort which was deflected into Unai Simon’s net via the post three minutes from time.
However, rather than focusing on the Arsenal attackers, Martin Keown was eager to praise one of the players who held firm at the back.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist suggests tactical Arsenal change Mikel Arteta must make to help Viktor Gyokeres
Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Athletic Club and Arsenal FC at Estadio de San Mames on September 16, 2025
Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Martin Keown hails Cristhian Mosquera
Keown spoke highly of Cristhian Mosquera, who started again in William Saliba’s absence and looked assured against Bilbao’s front line.
The 21-year-old has very much been thrown in at the deep end following his £13million move from Valencia, but he has handled things well so far.
And Keown, speaking on TNT Sports, was eager to single Mosquera out for praise, suggesting he would have flown under the radar otherwise.
“Mosquera as well, I want to mention him,” said Keown. “What a performance the young lad coming in at the back.
“We have to talk about it, because I think he deserves it.”
READ MORE: Arsenal fans are concerned by what Mikel Arteta is doing with ‘exciting’ star after Athletic Club clash
What Cristhian Mosquera did better than the other Arsenal defenders on the night
All of Arsenal’s defenders were superb to a man on Tuesday night, with Mosquera very much holding his own too.
He was the most accurate passer of the ball among his fellow defenders, with 74 of his 79 passes finding the target for a pass accuracy of 94 percent.
Mosquera also made six clearances and one tackle, took 93 touches of the ball, and won six of his 11 duels on the night.
Mosquera did so well that Arsenal fans deemed him a ‘cheat code’.
The Spain Under-21 international has impressed in his first few months at Arsenal and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop at N5.