With the arrival of Riccardo Calafirio from Bologna at Arsenal, this means the defense line would be stronger. The combination of Calafirio and both Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba who were brilliant last season for the Gunners. Arsenal conceded just 29 goals in 38 premier league games. The question is between Calafirio, Saliba and Gabriel, which two do you think will get the starting XI. The debate among fans is, is Calafirio better than Saliba?
Riccardo Calafirio vs Saliba who is better
Riccardo Calafiori performance at euro 2024 for Italy shows the Italian is capable of competing at top level with Saliba, showcasing both defensive and attacking play for his country side.
The 22 years defender helped Bologna in the 2023/2024 season secure a fourth place position on the Serie A table. Bologna will be playing the champions league after finishing fourth.
Arsenal had the most impressive defense last season with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Saliba also showed his impressive form at euro 2024, his performance against Portugal at euro 2024 was outstanding.
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Despite Calafirio’s performance for Bologna, Arteta will only keep the Italian for his squad depth or better play him in his perfect left-back. Gabriel and Saliba look stronger at center back with the fact that the Italian will need more time to understand English football.
We have seen several players from Serie A coming to the premier league but find it difficult to blend with their performance.
Riccardo Calafirio impact
His ability to contribute both in defense and going forward has drawn comparisons to some of the best full-backs in Europe. With his young age and potential, Calafiori represents a promising addition to the Arsenal squad to boost their defense.
Can Calafirio play left-back
Former Roma and Bologna player has played as a center-back and left-back all his career. Calafirio has also played as a midfielder, it means he Versatile play will be an advantage for Arteta.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has been focusing on building a team that will not only perform at a high level but also has a strong foundation for future success.
Calafiori fits this vision perfectly, bringing both youth and quality to the team. His style of play could complement the current Arsenal squad well, providing depth and competition for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior in the left-back position.
The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori would have several implications for Arsenal’s squad:
Strengthening the Left Flank: Calafiori’s arrival would offer Arsenal more options on the left side, an area that has seen varying levels of stability from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior in recent seasons.
His defensive capabilities, combined with his ability to support the attack, could provide a boost to Arsenal’s tactical flexibility.
Competition and Rotation: Calafiori would increase competition for the left-back spot, which could enhance performance levels across the squad.
A competitive team often drives players to bring on their A game, benefiting Arsenal in the long run.
Future-Proofing the Squad: Investing in young talent like Calafiori aligns with Arteta and Arsenal’s strategy of building a squad capable of sustained success.
His potential development could make him a key player for years to come, aligning with the club’s long-term vision.
The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori indicates Arsenal’s intent to strengthen their squad with quality young talent. As Arsenal missed out on the premier league title in 2023/2024 to Manchester City.
This move aligns with their broader transfer strategy, which has focused on bringing in players who not only have immediate impact but also promise substantial future potential.
By securing players like Calafiori, Arsenal demonstrates its commitment to enhancing both the present and future of the team. His addition will be a strategic move to ensure the team remains competitive in all competition.
As the transfer window progresses, Arteta seems to be going after more players to strengthen the team before the transfer window closes.
Calafiori could play a key role in Arsenal’s plans for the upcoming seasons. The impact of this transfer could be substantial, providing Arsenal with a valuable asset in their pursuit for the premier league or champions league.
For now, fans will be eagerly watching to see more transfer saga unfolds and how Calafiori might fit into Arsenal’s plans moving forward.
