Martin Keown has warned William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes that they ‘can’t make mistakes’ ahead of Arsenal’s clash against West Ham.
Saliba and Gabriel have formed an impressive partnership at Arsenal over the last few seasons in the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence.
But Keown has suggested that ‘top draw’ centre-back Cristhian Mosquera could replace one of the two defenders if either of them drop their level.
Arsenal signed Mosquera from Valencia in the summer transfer window and Keown feels the 21-year-old star is a huge upgrade on Jakub Kiwior.
Speaking on TNT Sports before the Gunners host West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, Arsenal icon Keown said: ‘Mosquera, the new acquisition, he’s really top draw.
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‘He has the same DNA as [Saliba and Gabriel]. Kiwior perhaps didn’t. He wasn’t as quick or as strong.
‘It’s a high level [now] and [Mosquera] will push [Saliba and Gabriel] to play even better. They can’t make mistakes.’
Saliba has started four of Arsenal’s six Premier League games so far this season, missing the win over Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury.
He was surprisingly named on the bench in the 2-1 victory against Newcastle last time out in the top-flight – but came on to replace Mosquera at half-time.
Gabriel has started all six of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this term and scored the dramatic winner against Eddie Howe’s side on Sunday.
Mosquera was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s opening top-flight game of the season before coming off the bench to make his Premier League debut against Leeds United, playing for the last 26 minutes.
When Saliba was forced off due to injury against Liverpool with just five minutes on the clock, Mosquera took his place and then started in the win over Forest.
Mosquera was back on the bench against Manchester City, only coming on for the last few moments of the game, before starting again in the victory over Newcastle.
In Arsenal’s last match, a 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos, Arteta named Saliba and Gabriel in his XI with Mosquera benched.
Mosquera came on for the last 15 minutes against the Greek side, replacing Gabriel.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has labelled Mosquera as ‘one of the strongest young defenders in European football’.
Arsenal manager Arteta added: ‘He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.
‘He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential.’