Why Yerson Mosquera will be like a new signing for Wolves next season with the defender set to completely transform Gary O’Neil’s side.
For many Wolves fans, the 2023/24 campaign is over. In O’Neil’s first season in charge, he ensured the club weren’t dragged into another relegation battle as his side secured another mid-table finish.
However, with only three games left to play, Wolves have little to fight for. Injuries to Wolves’ first team combined with a collective poor run of form has seen the side slide down the Premier League table.
This has left the team 11th in the division with little to no chance of reviving their European hopes.
As a result, all eyes have turned to the 2024/25 campaign. A big transfer window is expected with a lack of depth being a key issue for many seasons.
A new striker and defender are two positions that have been in need of reinforcements throughout the campaign. However, Wolves loanee Mosquera could provide serious competition amongst the Wolves backline over the coming months.
Yerson Mosquera is outperforming Max Kilman and Craig Dawson
After a successful spell at MLS side FC Cincinnati, Mosquera was sent out on loan to Villarreal in January.
In Spain, the centre-back has continued his form. For Villarreal, Mosquera has been one of their standout players which has helped them with their European push.
The 22-year-old even scored for the Spaniards recently, as he netted past Rayo Vallecano in a 3-0 win.
With the Colombian set to return to Molineux this summer, there is speculation on how he would fit into the team. However, based on his recent performances, Mosquera could be Wolves’ star defender.
According to fbref, Mosquera is currently outperforming Wolves’ star centre-backs, Craig Dawson and Max Kilman.
Per 90 minutes, the Colombian is winning more tackles, at 1.79, as well as clearing the ball at a higher rate of 5.00.
This is starkly higher than Wolves’ current starting duo. Kilman performs 1.25 tackles per game while Dawson only hits a 1.09. The duo are also not close to hitting five clearances per game on average.
Mosquera also adds a significant attacking output to his game. The centre-back performs 1.42 shot-creating actions per match as well as 0.85 progressive carries.
Once again Kilman and Dawson are not close to achieving this output. The latter is particularly poor in this department, only producing 0.47 shot-creating actions and an incredibly low 0.07 progressive carries per game.
As a result of his recent form, WhoScored has given Mosquera an average rating of 7.37 over his last six games. If the defender could match this rating across the season, he would be Wolves’ highest-rated player and sit sixth in the Premier League’s current average.
Read more: Everything we know about Wolves’ pre-season plans so far.
Gary O’Neil ‘aware’ of Yerson Mosquera’s ability
With the Colombian taking La Liga by storm, media outlets across the two nations are speculating on where his future lies.
The Spanish media has hailed Mosquera as ‘tremendous’ as his performances continue to stand out.
Last month, O’Neil also commented on Mosquera, hinting at a future role for the defender. He told the Express and Star: “He’ll be back with the other loanees and assessed ready for next season.
“My plans from the outset, and even in January, were to have him around us. The decision was made in January that maybe, for where he was mentally and what he needed, it was to play some more games.
“That was fine for the second half of this season, but my plan for next season is that he’s here and part of the squad, or at least judged by us with a view to him being part of the squad before any decision is made.”
A new look for Gary O’Neil’s Wolves next season?
As the transfer window approaches, multiple changes could be made to Wolves’ first team. Pedro Neto and Rayan Ait-Nouri have been linked away throughout 2024 with a big name expected to leave.
This combined with the need for a new striker and winger could result in half the starting XI changing for the upcoming season.
Mosquera should be part of Wolves’ plans. The centre-back clearly has the ability to perform and his attacking mindset could add a different dimension to the starting XI.
This combined with Dawson’s growing age means that the Colombian must be given a chance under O’Neil.
A centre-back of his age and form would cost upwards of £30 million in the current market. Therefore, Wolves cannot let this talent go to waste.