SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 27: Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal looks on as he sits on the substitutes bench prior to the Pre-Season Friendly between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at The Singapore National Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Christhian Mosquera has revealed how much his game has improved since joining Arsenal, crediting teammate Viktor Gyökeres for helping him reach new levels in training. The young defender admitted that going up against the Swedish striker every day has been a major factor in his rapid development since arriving in north London.
“Viktor is a beast, an animal!”
Mosquera couldn’t hide his admiration when describing Gyökeres, calling him one of the most demanding forwards he has ever faced. “Training with him helps defenders improve. There were great players at Valencia, but training with this type of top-level footballer is a big leap,” he said. The Spaniard explained that the intensity and physicality of Gyökeres’ game force defenders to stay sharp, making every training session feel like a real test.
Training at a different level
At Valencia, Mosquera was already considered one of Spain’s most promising young defenders. But since arriving at Arsenal, he has quickly realised that the level of competition is even higher. Gyökeres, known for his power, speed, and tireless pressing, gives defenders little time to think. Mosquera says that being challenged daily by such an aggressive and relentless striker has accelerated his growth and helped him adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Learning from tough competition
For Mosquera, training against Gyökeres is more than a physical challenge—it’s a mental one. He must stay focused, read the game better, and anticipate movement quicker. Every duel in training strengthens his positioning and decision-making. Facing such high standards has pushed him to be more disciplined, improving both his defensive technique and composure under pressure.
He also believes that these experiences have built his confidence. Knowing he can hold his own against one of the league’s most dominant forwards gives him the self-belief to perform when it matters most. It’s that combination of confidence and consistency that Arteta values so highly in his defenders.
Adapting to Arteta’s demands
Mikel Arteta’s style demands defenders who are comfortable on the ball and intelligent in their movement. Mosquera says that training with players like Gyökeres helps him meet those demands. The daily battles sharpen his focus and allow him to understand what Arteta expects from him in different situations. Each session is a lesson, and Mosquera is determined to absorb as much as he can from his surroundings.
Rapid progress at Arsenal
Though still early in his Arsenal career, Mosquera’s development has been clear. His exposure to world-class teammates has accelerated his adaptation to English football, both technically and mentally. He sees Gyökeres not just as a teammate, but as a benchmark—a measure of the standard required to succeed at Arsenal.
For Mosquera, training alongside players of Gyökeres’ calibre is helping him grow into the defender Arsenal hoped for when they signed him. As he continues to learn and improve, it’s clear that the fierce competition on the training ground is shaping him into one of the most promising young defenders in Arteta’s squad.
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