Why Arsenal Want Riccardo Calafiori So Badly

Arsenal had no trouble defensively last season... So why another centre back? Well; Riccardo Calafiori isn't 'just a centre back' - a player who's extremely comfortable in both central and wide left areas with extremely good on the ball capabilities is just what Mikel Arteta needed. Adam Clery explains how it'll play out for the Gunners...

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[adrianhall]

Excited to see the potential partnership between him and Martinelli.

[ShaneJoshua]

What excites me is the fact he was on the clubs radar before the Euros. It's giving us more unpredictability. He'll pop up in areas he shouldn't which will confuse the hell out the opposition.

Plus like every great Italian defender of the 90s 00s he has long hair and a hairband.

[Didibotts]

For those wondering why we have another defender... the simple answer is in Arteta we trust.

[fortpyjamas]

Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, White, Calafiori, Tomiyasu. I have to say our backline is looking incredible.

[EMMHQ]

Now we have a decent sample size to view for ourselves.. this analysis really holds up 👏🏿👏🏿

[Ario]

With a back 4 of White, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori, and with Declan Rice either as a 6 or as an 8 with another 6 ahead of them, Arsenal might just never concede a goal ever again.

[ToddParker]

As an Arsenal fan, I would actually suggest he is a Tomiyasu and Zinchenko with more dribble penetration to carry. I would also state that anyone who watches Arsenal regularly sees that the left pod needs to be upgraded which is why we do most of our play on the right. He will rival Tomi as our best lock down 1v1 defender and he will be able to invert like Zinchenko. I could go on and on, but this will improve a team that is already one of the best defensive teams in Europe. All below the age of 25, third youngest team in the prem. This is a brilliant signing and will be fun to watch!

[docjaramillo]

Your point regarding ‘more threatening options’ is spot on. Takes the predictability of Saka always trying to beat everyone around the right hand corner. I might add it could potentially allow Odegard a bit of relief as well.

[blainefontaine]

Great video! I'm no football geek, but I AM a devoted Arsenal fan. This video was presented in such a personable way, that I actually learnt something and understood what you were talking about. Bosh! Thanks 👌🏻🙏🏻

[nickmcd]

One thing not specifically mentioned is the impact on Martinelli. He was isolated last season but having a top supporting player should give him more options and hopefully more goals

[TheillMadeKnght]

This video has me really excited about this transfer now. LB was our biggest question mark due to injuries so i'm happy to bolster that side.

[danielk]

That LB spot was what cost them the early in the UCL quarters and i remember watching and thinking i bet Arteta will min/max that spot. It was good enough to be the best GA in PL but not good enough to get trophies.

[danstrauss]

Excellent analysis! Thanks for your insight. I'm a big Arsenal fan from the states. I watched the whole video and I never do that for Arsenal commentators. So well done!

[flirtnfinesse]

What I love the most about this transfer was that so many clubs were interested in him, but he already had his heart set on Arsenal❤

[NorthLondonForeverCOYG]

Brilliant move in my opinion. Kiwior and Zinchenko might leave (which I don’t want). Tomiyasu and Timber (injury concerns) as replacements for all defenders if any injury (to the starters). Plus he is good both defensively and offensively as mentioned in the video. He will also help Rice on the left side and Martinelli on the wing.

[nathanwright]

I love this move, a much more dynamic left back as well as solid rotation option for Saliba and Gabriel

[dan]

I've watched about five of these. I'm so excited to see him play with so many great teammates. Would have loved a striker but if he can stay healthy he looks like he's gonna give us a legit offensive weapon at a unique position.

[am]

That one play and assist gave this young man's trajectory fuel into the top !!! WISHING YOU A STELLAR SEASON AND WIN US THE CUP. COYGS!!!!

[SparklrApp]

Feel like he will be fairly similar to Gvardiol. I like how we (arsenal) now have a huge defence…6”1 white, 6”4 Saliba, 6”3 Gabriel, 6”2 Calafiori.

[Crovax]

yes, all games we were ranting if kiwior or zinny started. either one was a bad choice. our best lb was Tomiyasu, which is a cb/rb. Now, we have an absolute perfect back 4