Gary O’Neil has used Yerson Mosquera frequently during Wolves’ pre-season schedule, but what can fans expect in the Premier League?
As Wolves’ Premier League opener against Arsenal fast approaches, the Old Gold will be doing all they can to prepare for the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Gary O’Neil will be overjoyed at how his side have worked throughout pre-season, with plenty of positives to take from Wolves’ friendlies and training camps.
One plus has been the return of Yerson Mosquera to the squad, as the centre-back spent the second half of the 2023/24 calendar on loan at Villarreal.
LaLiga expert explains what Wolves can expect from Yerson Mosquera
Judging by how badly Villarreal wanted to sign Mosquera on a permanent deal, it’s clear that the defender made an impact in Spain.
As Wolves fans’ attention was caught up on O’Neil’s side’s battles during the 2023/24 campaign, many might have missed what the Colombian was getting up to in LaLiga.
Fortunately, Molineux News caught up with LaLiga expert Rahul Lakhani of La Liga London to find out why Villarreal were left so impressed with Mosquera last season.
“Yerson Mosquera was a hit at Villarreal last season. He joined on loan in January, at which point Villarreal were still recovering from what was a completely disastrous first half of the campaign,” Lakhani explained.
“The defence was broken after losing Pau Torres last year, and returning manager Marcelino wanted to bring in his own reinforcements.
“Mosquera and Goncalo Guedes both came from Wolves, and both had strong enough impacts that they want to try and bring both players back.”
While Goncalo Guedes’ future at Molineux is still very much up in the air, there is belief that now is Mosquera’s time to become a regular in the Premier League.
What are Mosquera’s strengths?
Lakhani, who has a vast knowledge of LaLiga and particularly Villarreal, gave Wolves fans an insight into the parts of Mosquera’s game that could impress.
“Mosquera’s physicality was instantly noticeable, and Villarreal went on a strong run after he arrived.
“They lost just one La Liga game in his first 11 appearances, with the 23-year-old predominantly playing at centre-back, but occasionally moving to the right.
“The Colombian was particularly useful on set pieces, and he scored three times in 18 Villarreal appearances.
“This included a stunning effort against Marseille in the Europa League round of 16, as well as an 88th-minute equaliser against Sevilla, with his header making the score 2-2, with his side then finding a 95th-minute winner.”
How can Gary O’Neil best utilise Mosquera’s skill set?
Aside from the towering defender’s strength at the heart of the back line, tactically, Lakhani hinted at what he could offer to O’Neil.
“Villarreal under Marcelino like to play out from the back, and centre-backs need to be good in possession. He adapted to this quickly, whilst his aerial ability was a breath of fresh air.”
Reverting from a back five to a back four will give Wolves some more attacking inspiration this season, with Lakhani’s insight suggesting that Mosquera could be ready-made to encourage positive sequences from the back.
What needs improvement?
Like any player at the age of 23, there is room for improvement in some areas of the Colombian’s game.
While the verdict on Mosquera has been overly positive, it should be expected that the defender may take some time to adapt to the Premier League.
After impressing in LaLiga, and before that the MLS, O’Neil’s new centre-back’s lack of experience was telling at some points last term.
“He was not flawless though. Whilst he did score in the second leg of Villarreal’s European exit against Marseille, this came after his side lost the first-leg 4-0, with Mosquera scoring an own goal and giving a penalty away,” Lakhani explained.
“His age has shown at times, but the fundamentals are there for him to develop into an excellent defender, and despite signing Willy Kambwala from Manchester United, Villarreal are still eager to bring Mosquera back if a deal can be agreed.”
Mosquera’s return could be just what O’Neil needs
Last term, Wolves’ depth all over the pitch was a concern, with the defence running low on numbers.
At centre-back, the manager had just Craig Dawson, Toti Gomes, Max Kilman and Santi Bueno available, with Mosquera now replenishing the pack in Kilman’s absence.
It will be fascinating to finally see what the 23-year-old can offer on his return to Molineux, with no test greater than an opening-day duel at the Emirates against Arsenal.