John Obi Mikel Hails Arsenal’s Squad Depth Under Arteta, Highlights Mosquera’s Impact

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has praised Arsenal’s growing squad depth under manager Mikel Arteta, arguing that the Gunners now possess the kind of balance and resilience needed to compete across multiple fronts.

Speaking on his podcast, Mikel noted that Arsenal’s ability to rotate without sacrificing quality reflects a strategic evolution in modern football.

His comments echo a 2023 Journal of Sports Sciences study, which found that teams with deeper benches win 15% more matches across Europe’s top leagues, largely due to their capacity to absorb injuries and maintain tactical consistency.

The praise comes at a time when Arsenal’s investment in youth is paying dividends. New signing Cristhian Mosquera, who made his debut in 2025, has already impressed with a 90% pass accuracy and three interceptions per game, statistics that underscore both his composure and defensive maturity.

His rapid adaptation strengthens Arteta’s defensive options and challenges the long-standing narrative that English clubs lag behind their continental rivals in integrating young talents.

For Mikel, whose own career was shaped by one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history—a 2006 legal battle between Chelsea and Manchester United over his signature—the endorsement carries added weight. Despite his deep ties to Chelsea, Arsenal’s fiercest London rivals, Mikel’s remarks suggest an objective recognition of the Gunners’ rise under Arteta rather than any lingering club loyalty.

Arsenal, currently chasing both domestic and European honors, now boast a squad capable of competing on all fronts. With the likes of Mosquera joining an already formidable roster, Mikel’s analysis resonates with fans who see the Gunners as genuine contenders for silverware.