In a move that rapidly came to everyone’s surprise seemingly off the radar, Atalanta addressed one of there final question marks by bringing in Colombian International left wingback Johan Mojica on loan with an option to buy from La Liga 2 side Girona. The third Cafetero to enter the current La Dea selection, Mojica brings much needed depth on the left side to spell Robin Gosens who (to me) was often overworked last campaign. After this move, Atalanta has seemingly addressed many of the depth issues that plagued them last year. And with Champion’s League Football coming for a 2nd straight season Mojica as well as the other additions will absolutely be welcomed additions to a team that seems poised to build upon its fantastic last season.
While Mojica wasn’t able to help spring Girona back into La Liga after his parent club finished in 5th, Mojica still has plenty to offer when healthy, and seems to be a perfect Gasperini wingback. In my opinion, from a pure pace standpoint he instantly becomes the fastest player on the squad. Reminiscing about the 2018 World Cup and the effort he put forth on the pitch, his long strides can be absolutely mesmerizing, and will be perfect in not only getting up and down the pitch, but also covering any mistakes that our leaded footed center backs can’t erase on their own. His only concern will be staying healthy. While he played last year, he did have a nasty knee injury the year prior, but hopefully the injury bug is behind him, and the knee won’t flair up again and zap his best attribute.
As a Colombian national team fan, this move has me ecstatic, even he’ll mostly be a secondary option. He still has the chance again to show national coach Carlos Quieroz that he is fit again, and perhaps fill the void in the weakest area of Colombia’s current starting XI. While Gosens is a stud, I want to see Mojica get as much playing time as possible, and cement himself as one of the most dynamic wingbacks/fullbacks in the league. He certainly has the natural attributes and some cheeky technique for it, it’s just up to him to settle in and show his worth; and hopefully having Duvan and Muriel in the frame will help his adjustment to Italy be as seamless as possible. Bienvenidos Johan, and as always Forza La Dea!
