William Saliba and Gabriel Maghales were both named in the PFA Team of the Season, but the pair have been warned about their starting spots at Arsenal.
Following another superb season, Saliba and Gabriel made the PFA Team of the Season, with the Gunners having the best defensive Premier League record.
But Gabriel also missed a large part of the season and the North London club will need to ensure they are well-equipped in case the same thing happens in the new campaign.
One footballer insider believes that the Gunners are ready in the event of a key injury in defence and has named the Arsenal star he thinks is ready for first-team action.
Cristhian Mosquera during Arsenal's Open Training Session
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Cristhian Mosquera tipped to break into Arsenal team by Christmas
Cristhian Mosquera has been tipped to break into Arsenal’s Premier League team by Christmas by journalist Ben Jacobs.
Arsenal believe Mosquera is Premier League-ready now, and there is a sense that he would be ready to step in if they were to have an issue with Gabriel Maghales or William Saliba.
Mikel Arteta will also want to rotate his team, given how many matches his side are set to face this season with Champions League football.
The Gunners are confident that the Spanish defender is good enough to make an impact on the team and that there is every chance he will break into the team.
Jacobs told TalkSPORT: “Mosquera is the one people are going to be surprised by because I’m told Arsenal think he’s ready for regular Premier League minutes this season, even though on paper it appears difficult for him to break into the squad.
“But remember William Saliba’s return from his loan spell – people originally wondered how he’d fit in. There was speculation he might leave immediately after returning from France. He didn’t. He went straight into the starting 11. By Christmas, I think people will start to realise what a player Mosquera is.”
Mosquera, who cost Arsenal £17m, could well prove himself to be an invaluable player in North London this term in case of an injury to one of the Gunners’ first-choice defenders.
Darren Bent calls Cristhian Mosquera ‘frighteningly good’ but can’t see him starting soon
Darren Bent has labelled Mosquera’s potential as ‘frighteningly good’, but disagrees with Jacobs’ claim that he will break into the team.
The former Premier League striker believes Arteta would need to change his formation to start the 21-year-old when both Gabriel and Saliba are fit.
Bent claimed: “You know what? Ben Jacobs said something there about Mosquera, who is very good. He talked about the potential by Christmas, and I just… I can’t. That’s the problem.
“I get it, Mosquera is supposed to be frighteningly good. But unless you change the shape, I just don’t see how he ousts Saliba or Gabriel. I just can’t see it.”