David Gordo Praises Cristhian Mosquera as a Rising Talent in Spanish Football

David Gordo, the head coach of the Spanish U21 team, lavished praise on Cristhian Mosquera, a former Valencia player and current Arsenal footballer, describing him as “a bargain” and one of the most promising talents in Spanish football. This commendation came during a press conference on Friday, where he announced the call-up of Mosquera and fellow ex-Valencia defender Yarek Gasiorowski, now with PSV Eindhoven, for the upcoming qualifying matches for the 2027 European Championship against San Marino and Romania.

Gordo, who has known Mosquera since he was 14 years old, expressed that the defender is one of his “weaknesses,” not only due to his athletic abilities but also his remarkable personality. “In addition to being a great footballer, he is an exceptional person,” remarked the coach, who also emphasized the player’s maturity. “Cristhian is a very intelligent young man; anyone who has spoken with him can attest to that. He knows perfectly what is best for him and is on a very positive trajectory, growing and improving. I am convinced he will become a crucial player for the Spanish national team,” he added, referring to the possibility of Mosquera being selected for Colombia in the World Cup. It is worth noting that Cristhian Mosquera hails from Alicante but has Colombian parents, granting him dual nationality.

Regarding the impressive performance Mosquera has been delivering in the Premier League, Gordo stated that he is not surprised at all. “Cristhian is a mentally gifted individual, with a well-organized mind and clear ideas. He has an environment that supports him greatly, and stepping out of his comfort zone has benefited him immensely: it helps him grow, improve, and showcase his best version,” he explained.

The coach also acknowledged the challenge that Mosquera has taken on by joining Arsenal, where he is competing in an entirely different context. “He is facing a new language, a new culture, and a different mentality. The football here is very different from LaLiga, and this will make him a better player and a better person,” Gordo commented, also highlighting the role of Mosquera’s teammates in the London locker room: “He is well surrounded by exceptional people, including some first-team players who I know are helping him a lot.”

In conclusion, Gordo concurred with those who believe that Mosquera’s transfer to the English club represents a unique opportunity, having been sold by Valencia to Arsenal for a fee estimated between 15 and 20 million euros this summer. “I completely agree with you: it is a bargain,” he stated emphatically in response to a question from an English journalist. He also took the opportunity to send a message to Spanish football: “I wish Spanish clubs would invest much more in the young players we have here, who are very talented and should not have to go abroad to prove their worth.”