At a Glance:
- Regular starting right-back Jurrien Timber might not be available for the UCL final
- Piero Hincapie could start, but it is not his natural side of defense
- A certain defender could be extremely useful for set-pieces
Arsenal are to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final this weekend, and a question that remains on many fans’ minds is who will start at the right-back position.
Although Mikel Arteta would like to get Jurrien Timber fit in order for the Dutchman to face PSG, it is not seen as a likely outcome given that the defender would be rushed back into a crucial game for the Gunners.
Piero Hincapie can play as a right-back, and could potentially start in the final in place of Timber, but it is not his natural position and his weaknesses playing on a side of the pitch he is not well accustomed to could come back to bite him.
But there is another option, too, and it could actually end up being the option that Arsenal go for versus their Parisian opponents.
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Cristhian Mosquera should start at right-back against Paris Saint-Germain
Cristhian Mosquera is perhaps the most obvious candidate to start on the defensive right-hand side instead of the injured Timber, with the Spaniard having played there for the Gunners in the 2025/26 season.
While he has only been at right-back for Arsenal on three occasions, his performances there have looked solid and his ability as a versatile defender is one that Mikel Arteta clearly appreciates.
Mosquera has been credited for his composure and athleticism in defense, and he also thrives in one-on-one situations. The ex-Valencia man is aggressive in duels, reads danger well and is confident carrying the ball out from the back under pressure.
Despite his age, Mosquera shows maturity in possession and positional discipline defensively. His recovery pace allows him to defend high lines effectively, while his versatility means he can also operate all across the backline when required.
Mosquera could be advantageous in Arsenal’s set piece routines
Standing at 6 foot and 3 inches, Mosquera’s physical presence and aerial ability make him a real weapon in a set piece routine, with the Spaniard capable of attacking deliveries aggressively alongside Arsenal’s other imposing aerial threats, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Paris Saint-Germain are a small side, too, and this could work in set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s favour, with star midfielders like Vitinha and Joao Neves both under 5″10—which could be capitalised on by Arsenal’s biggest set piece dangers.
