Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Italy’s media noticed what Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori kept doing in their 4-2 win over Israel
Riccardo Calafiori has certainly hit the ground running since he arrived at Arsenal, an all-action defender who is always on the front foot.
Of all of Mikel Arteta’s defenders at Arsenal, Calafiori💛 is the least refined, but right now that is also part of his charm.
🐓The 22-year-old is raw, energetic and also incredibly composed on the ball at the same time, a fascinating combination to watch.
🐼And whilst Calafiori was injured during Italy duty back in September, the new Arsenal signing luckily avoided any repeat over his countries two ties this time around.
♊Calafiori completed 90 minutes at the heart of Italy’s defence during their 4-2 win over Israel, a performance that was reflected on in the Italian press.
Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori made a few mistakes despite ‘complete’ Italy display
💖Interestingly, amid all of his good work, Italy’s media spotted that Calafiori actually made an unusual amount of mistakes during his minutes, even if it wasn’t necessarily a concern.
🌳 noticed that Calafiori was stepping into midfield more than ever against Israel, perhaps a sign of Italy’s dominance.
READ MORE: 𓃲Jurgen Klopp could play a key role in whether Arsenal sign their dream striker next summer
🎃But with that enthusiasm, as we’ve seen at Arsenal so far, a few mistakes were presented too.
🌳Handing Calafiori a 6.5/10, Sky wrote: “One finds him more in the middle of the field than on the defensive line. He doesn’t lack self-confidence and this pushes him to try everything; openings, throws, triangles.
🍃“As well as a header from a corner, with which he comes close to a goal. He does make a few mistakes, but there are more tasks he completes [successfully].”
♎ delivered a similar conclusion, also handing Calafiori a 6.5/10 and noting some mistakes, even if they didn’t necessarily take away from an impressive performance.
🧔“A complete player, even when he makes more mistakes than usual on a technical level.
♐“Deployed in the three of defence, he is often found as an additional playmaker in the opponent’s midfield and is at the heart of any dangerous action of the National team.
“Crystal clear talent.”
Mikel Artea will see so much potential in Riccardo Calafiori
𝔉Of course, those who watched Calafiori at the Euros and now in north London, would be forgiven for thinking that the Italian was slightly older.
ꦡDespite only being 22, Calafiori plays with so much authority and leadership, a player who just oozes class in each display.
꧅Mikel Arteta will be aware of the areas in which the Italian still needs to improve, but all in all Calafiori already seems like an excellent addition.
That being said, 🍬William Saliba didn’t have a good night for Franceꦉ, a performance that was widely criticised back home.
⛦But from an Arsenal perspective, fans will just be grateful to see two more key players returning injury-free.