Mariona Caldentey: From Barcelona Star to Arsenal’s Key Player

When Arsenal announced the signing of Mariona Caldentey last summer, I was intrigued by what a player of her pedigree, ten years at Barcelona, one of the most successful clubs in women’s football, could bring to a team searching for consistency and creativity. Sounds obvious, right? But big signings don’t always go this well, so I was cautiously optimistic.

Early Impressions: A Bright Spot in a Turbulent Start

By October, Mariona had already emerged as a bright spot in a tough start for Arsenal. Her defensive work stood out, winning tackles and interceptions with impressive timing and positioning. On top of that, her passing numbers showed she was key in moving the ball forward and creating chances. Her goal-scoring was still warming up, but sometimes it takes a little time to find your rhythm in a new league.

Comparisons with teammates like Frida Maanum, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead showed Mariona as a defensive standout, with elite ball progression and chance creation. She was quietly ticking boxes across the pitch, proving her versatility and adaptability. Even then, it was clear she was more than just a new signing - she was quickly becoming an integral part of the team.

Now: An Award-Winning Season and a Team Anchor

Fast forward to now, and Mariona’s impact is impossible to ignore. She’s racked up awards like WSL Player of the Season, Arsenal Player of the Season, and Supporters Club Player of the Season (not bad for her first campaign). 

Defensively, she ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles and 93rd for interceptions per 90 minutes, making her what I like to call “one of the league’s most effective defensive midfielders.” Her defensive stats aren’t just numbers on a page - they reflect a player who reads the game, times her challenges perfectly, and contributes significantly to Arsenal’s solidity.

Offensively, Mariona has stepped up massively. In the WSL, she scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists while often dropping deeper to influence play from midfield. In the Champions League, she’s been a goal-scoring machine with 8 goals, including crucial strikes in dramatic comebacks against Real Madrid and Lyon. Add 2 goals in the League Cup, and it’s clear she’s delivering when it counts.

Versatility and Creativity: The Perfect Blend

Looking back, I predicted her versatility would be a huge asset, and she’s proven it. No matter which position she plays on the pitch, she controls the game’s tempo with precise passing; attempting over 70 passes per 90 minutes at over 84% accuracy is no small feat. She combines creativity with grit, creating chances while also contributing defensively.

Her progressive passing and carries put her near the very top of the league. She’s excellent at breaking lines and moving the ball forward, helping Arsenal maintain control and create scoring opportunities. And her defensive numbers - tackles, interceptions, and blocks - show she’s equally effective without the ball.

Looking Ahead: Arsenal’s Season with Mariona Caldentey and Beyond

The league may be over, but there’s still one more big test ahead - Arsenal face Mariona’s old club, Barcelona, in the Champions League final. It’s the perfect stage for her to show just how far she’s come since leaving La Liga’s giants.

If Arsenal want to keep pushing for trophies next season and beyond, building the team around Mariona has to be a priority. Her blend of creativity, defensive steel, and big-game mentality makes her the kind of player you want at the heart of everything. This season has proven she’s more than capable of carrying that responsibility, and now it’s about taking that momentum into what’s next.