A few weeks ago, Arsenal finalised Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer from Bologna. In a £38 million deal, the Italian defender moved to the Emirates Stadium. Speculation regarding the Italian, however, did not stop with his signing.
The position in which he would play, and when he’d make his Arsenal debut became a source of contention. While some were concerned about why he did not feature in the preseason friendly against Liverpool and then Bayer Leverkusen, others were speculating on which position he would play, with some believing he’d be the ideal left-sided centre back ahead of Gabriel given his success in central defence for Bologna.
Well, last Sunday, Mikel Arteta “clarified” the situation with Calafiori. He ultimately gave him his debut, quelling suspicions about why he wasn’t playing and hinting that he’d be available for the Premier League opening. He also replaced Zinchenko as a left-back, and he only played the LCB position when Gabriel departed the field. This clearly demonstrated, in line with the common belief, that Calafiori is considered a left back, and Arteta would only use him in centre defence when necessary.
Gabriel established his worth last season by making fewer mistakes and maintaining his calm, both of which were initially holding him back. Along with William Saliba, they established an amazing defensive partnership. His efforts from last season have earned him a new deal and a promotion to the Arsenal leadership group as the defensive leader.
Big Gabi performed admirably last season, and he has continued where he left off. Calafiori made an impressive debut in the Emirates Cup, which Arsenal won 2-0 against Lyon. Arsenal now has the strongest backline; isn’t this what the Gooners wanted? They should then enjoy it and allow Mikel Arteta to make the tactical decisions he so wishes.
It is certainly going to be interesting to see how Arteta sets up his starting XI against Wolves…
Peter Rix
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Zinchenko will no doubt start against Wolves particularly when he will not be faced with the dangerous Neto but I expect Califiori to nail down the left back position in the course of the next few weeks.Unless Gabriel is injured or suffers a dramatic loss of form, I don’t see the young Italian playing at left centre back.
If Calafiori gets a place in the starting line-up, he’d likely play LB
But I think Zinchenko will become our inverted-LB, since Wolves might park the bus
OT: Ornstein just said Edu was in Spain this week to negotiate with Sociedad, but Arsenal need to sell someone before signing Merino
Yea you are right @Gai Zinny deserves to start considering his performances in pre-season game. I think Calafiori will come in if our opponent are becomiing physical or trying to exploit Zinny defensive weakness. For top6 teams the better to start Calafiori.
It’s almost sure somehow Nkethiah could leave Arsenal this summer and same for Ramsdale.
Yes, £30m is a decent price for Nketiah. I bet an EPL club will make an offer for him next week
i suspect Zinc will start against Wolves, likely Calafiori some minutes in the second half
Villa might come a bit soon, but would be shocked if Calafiori doesn’t start against Man C
I think he will be on the bench for the first game.
Personally think he’s made for that CM role.
Not sure he has played that role before. I suppose Timber can esp. DM
If he starts it will be at LB IMO, but I expect ZInch to start. Over time I expect Calafiori to become the LB starter.
Calafiori will be the gaffer Trump card, there is no doubt the gaffer will want the Italian to get his foot wet as early as possible.
What about our man Timber?
Is there no plan for him?
He doesn’t look like a full back to me. He’s too rangy and lopey. How long do we think the hair band will last? I predict short hair by Christmas ⛄
He really doesn’t have the standard look. That hair band will likely be gone with the first corner never to be seen again.