How Calafiori EVOLVES Arsenal Tactically! | In-Focus

[@Bolognesedoc1909]

Hi, Bologna fan here. Calafiori is a top class player. He is outstanding with the ball and he’s always looking forward to the opposite box. Competing 1vs 1 against the best players in the world gonna brings him to the next level in defence. I wish him the best. I’m going to support arsenal next season (tomy and Cala are Bologna’s sons🔴🔵).

[@FalseNi9e]

I think he will flourish at Arsenal especially in their system

[@allybee714]

James. U have been incredible for AFTV. Truly a gem. So glad that u are an arsenal fan like us. COYG

[@RichmondMakoni]

James for deputy prime minister then Arsenal can run the cabinet 😅

[@J2Kamikaze]

That tunnel aura pic gonna feed families for generation

[@diyar728]

Why tf you guys are so weird about this what happened to real man i swear down

[@thewarlock539]

​@@diyar728shush.

[@Nat-wu4kj]

@@diyar728It’s been made normal these days bro, every single male is just zesty! This is courtesy of Snapchat and Tik tok

[@AFC_OBEY]

@@diyar728why do you care?

[@GroundogNews18]

@@diyar728relax and take ur negativity to another club.

[@ArsenalNews7]

The fact he can play CB and LB is very useful! Still young and he will help a lot!

[@omardevonlittle3817]

So like Kiwior but less proven? Woooo

[@ahmedkhalled1427]

@@omardevonlittle3817 No like Kiwior but on a much higher level and also two years younger. Also, Kiwior wants to move.

[@ILLGamingg]

Help you finish second

[@therealhb1763]

​@@omardevonlittle3817less proven? He is proven what u talking about

[@PrestonCha81]

The fact is he was a left back converted into a CB like Ben White. Just what we need on that left side

[@Londonguy1987_]

The thing I love about Arsenal's defence is the interchangeable “unit” that's been created (including the midfielders). It's a huge advantage against any opposition. We can play a flat-back 4 (deep) with 2 DMs (haram ball 😂) if we're desperate. We can switch to a fluid (advanced) back 3 and invert on both sides. We can play slick triangles and build the play effectively in every area. We can dominate possession in our own half and break lines at will. Calafiori makes everything even better with his press resistance, fast progressions, and dribbling ability. Were stacked in defence. And the entire defensive unit (subs included) is full of duel-winning monsters. It's mad stuff. Arteta deserves a lot of credit.

[@adhikjoseph137]

I think he’s going to play Left back and invert. No way we drop the Saliba and Gabriel partnership. But I’m just glad we have 3-4 world class defenders now.

[@singalexsong]

It will be tough for him to break into the team. I feel like we must play Timber and White is great a RB.

[@conormurphy3657]

Yeah how is he gonna get games

[@MarceloAlahid-vm3if]

White as Rb is good its solidified the back 4

[@Sempapax]

I would say that only Saliba is world class with Gabriel and White close behind. Califiori and timber are proving themselves yet

[@JumaHuseni-in8wv]

Robbie promote this guy! He is an asset.

[@BeforeThisNovember]

He has his own successful channel

[@theomatthew5286]

Personally, with what he's done in developing White from a decent central defender into a much better right back, as well as Saka from a good left winger into an exceptional one from the right wing, I'd love to see Arteta similarly tweak and transform Timber into a defensive midfielder given his attributes, and form the double pivot with Rice so that Odegaard can pretty much remain in and around the attacking third for 80-90% of the time we have possession.

[@flashstep09]

Has Saka really gotten better under Arteta? Is he really better on the right wing? I get that White has been very consistent for the entirety of the last season but which attributes of his were improved by Arteta?

[@deeray4637]

​@flashstep09 it's pretty hard to say he hasn't improved saka. Saka's performances and numbers speak for themselves, do they not?

[@RichmondMakoni]

​@flashstep09 Check his numbers for the past 3 seasons alone. Arteta has been the manager for the past 4 seasons meaning he has improved him. Also, remember in Arteta's first game in charge against Bournemouth in December 2019, Saka was playing LB before Arteta gradually blended him into the RW position as his coaching continued.

[@RichmondMakoni]

​@@deeray4637Exactly. Check my other detailed comment

[@TheKingSkillsBW67]

His ability in the midfield and final 3rd coming from CB/LB is absolutely beautiful to watch! Working with Arteta while he’s still so young will definitely see him improve significantly! Let’s not forget that Calafiori actually plays LB,LCB, RCB. Saliba has now shown in the Euros that he’s still very comfortable at LCB! Exciting times.

[@rishipanda]

Glad to see the studio is evolving too. 🤟

[@Rooler694]

Foe the first time in a long time im happy with the defence and the back ups. White saliba gabriel timber tomiyasu calafiori kiwior. Strong defence and not a huge drop off with subs this time. Its great

[@LarryEze-lt7kq]

James working overtime at Aftv while everyone's on summer break. Beyond punditry, I can see him as part of the technical team of a club in the future

[@rohitnarayan3856]

Kudos to you James! Love watching these tactical analysis videos. 🔥🔥🔥

[@theproevomanager2591]

Calafiori = Martinelli goal machine

[@omardevonlittle3817]

Martinelli is so bad. Missed our chance to offload him last window smh

[@mitchelgreen891]

@@omardevonlittle3817was better than saka two years ago and is only 23

[@deeray4637]

​@@omardevonlittle3817 stop it.

[@barloworld01]

Martinelli will definitely improve playing with Caliafori

[@jabru1584]

Great analysis. Calafiori should be an exciting addition. Can’t believe James missed Jakub Kiwior and kept on calling Mari who won’t even play this season.

[@henrykyei961]

i love the colour contrast

[@lenneth1188]

With him, Arsenal has the best back 4 in history, with Saliba being the best cb of all time

[@stevem9529]

I've seen some daft comments from arsenal fans in my time, but this one has to be number 1

[@lenneth1188]

@@stevem9529 Can't argue with facts? Name me 1 single CB in history with all of Saliba's qualities: fast, strong, tall, composed, good on the ball, handsome, big cock. He's better than both Stam and Nesta combined and Calafiori already looks better than Maldini on the ball.

[@himdamnself]

​@@stevem9529self appointed YT prefect.

[@GermanChickenwing]

Arsenal fans are some funny people..90% of Arsenal didn't watch this guy last season

[@himdamnself]

​@@GermanChickenwing and what have the 90% said about him?

[@akech24]

you're not thinking big enough. 3-4-3 diamond with garbiel - calafiori - saliba with calafiori stepping up into the 6 role during build up. white and timber as wingbacks that can go up down and invert. "double pivot" of odegaard and rice progressing the ball and the front 3 of saka kai and martinelli w the wingers mostly operating in the half spaces and the 9 working like a true cf.

[@solitaireENT]

Big things for James to come in the future. Hard worker and knows his stuff. 🤲🏾

[@idleideal4366]

Calafiori is what we thought kiwior would be

[@timtim8644]

Arteta thought that. Kiwi is a very good CB forcing him to play LB. Same for Zinchenko put him in the middle with Ø and Rice as a 8 he will shine.

[@RichmondMakoni]

I think Kiwior is a Gabriel Maghalaes as in he is not that flexible as he is a pure LCB and cannot play different positions like RCB, LB, LWB or DM. But he's decent though I think he will leave or Arteta will sell

[@wishtsuma7330]

Wouldn't want zichenko in that defense line

[@samirebabayeva7122]

Zincenko bence orta sahada daha verimli savunmaya destek olur solbekde tomiyasu calafiori sonra kiwior ola bilir bu adamin esas yeri oeta sahada gecen sezonda gorduyumuz gibi soldan gelib ortalara giriyordu bu yil orda oynarsa verimli olur

[@dchampionpraisekeyz8341]

Funny thing is Arteta will use him in the Xhaka role mostly as I don't see us signing a midfielder even if Partey leaves for instance and to think of it, him and timber can play deeper midfield comfortably. I'm so excited about this signing

[@meho9668]

I would rather use Zincheko in this role

[@dchampionpraisekeyz8341]

@@meho9668 Yes we'll all suggest that but Arteta just like pep, doesn't like doing what fans and pundits wants him to do and that's why he kept playing harvetz in the midfield when it was evident it wasn't working and never for once played zinchenko in the midfield even though he was a midfielder for Ukraine as at the time we signed him. If you have studied Arteta, you would know that what I just predicted is what he'll do as it's not a popular opinion and it suits his philosophy in using players unpredictably

[@emmanueletukudo1213]

i hope u know we r playing 38 games plus Champions league. The problem with some fans is that they make suggestions like these, then change before January transfer window when 1 or 2 injuries come up. Our goal this season is to comfortably compete with Man City , so we must get rid of dead wood and bring in some quality in midfield , wingers and a striker this season else its just another barren season

[@sellomahobe2279]

James is making this transfer prospect makes so much sense. Exciting even, when you look at being competitive on all fronts, not risking our crucial players in cup competitions and still field good teams. I'm sold.

[@TheEmperoroftheUni]

A signing and a good one. But still we need a striker 😔

[@thewarlock539]

We will be there when we sign Gyokores!

[@ariyoabiona1606]

Yes, get Gyokeres and start the pre-season.

[@deeray4637]

See us getting a midfielder and a winger yuno. Yet another season without a proper striker.

[@ChrisLeary23]

Already been confirmed we will be buying a ‘project ‘ striker so probably 40-60 million but doubt he starts ahead of havertz for the most part of the season

[@deeray4637]

@@ChrisLeary23 Confirmed by who? Lol

[@darryldavid1987]

Been waiting for this analysis thanks james

[@MrVoicemailGuy]

It's mad to think that once we get Cala, both he and Timber can easily step into the 6 or even join Rice in a double pivot. Both very good on & off the ball and both confident & tenacious. We've actually got so many versatile defenders who are all comfortable with the ball at their feet. Mikel's done a great job, I just wish that he can finally sew everything together.

[@LT-mg1vs]

Love the analysis bro. Amazing job, only thing I’d comment on is I am never ‘comfortable’ with a back 4 without Saliba in it😅 I think everyone knows why! - but yeah COYG 3rd time lucky this is OUR TIME. Let’s go!

[@user-id6ke6xz9n]

Really good breakdown, thanks James. Hopefully he’ll prove to be a good signing…. when he eventually puts pen to paper.

[@jsim5475]

Id like to see rice in the CDM with Odegaard moved to the left 8/10 AM and partey as RCM. We have enough going down the right and i feel martinelli gest left isolated. Its time for odegaard to take a natural position on the left side of AM and build a good relationship with martinelli like he did saka

[@ayrmendina8314]

Hey James - do you ever wonder if footballers being in their “prime” in the later years… was dependent on them not being the centre of attention in their early years? We’ve got a team who are mainstays and are still 22/23 of age. Would 3-4 years of them being the main player at clubs potentially cheat them of reaching their prime in their later years due to fatigue/muscle wear etc.. and when a player’s usual prime of in their late 20s.. might not be an option for some? I have no biological knowledge or reference. Merely a thought of seeing how young our team are and the responsibilities they have and whether that would have an effect on their bodies by the time they get to their “prime” years.

[@BeforeThisNovember]

No, you’re just yapping. Top players can play at the highest level for a decade

[@ahmedkhalled1427]

It is true. A lot of fans forget that when a player starts playing week in week out from the age of 20-21, they usually seem to burn out a lot faster than players who first starts playing every week from the age of 24-25 unless they take care of their bodies on a elite level like Messi and Ronaldo. A prime example of this is Rooney who played Premier League week in week out from the age of 16-17 and he wasn't the most disciplined player in terms of fitness and training. That's exactly why he peaked at the age of 25-27 before he started going down in level. That is normal and it's very rare you find someone who'll be world class for 15 years. Some players peak early and burn out early, while some players (for example Van Dijk) peak at 27-28 and keep the level high until 34-35 years old. A player like Saka has been a regular since the age of 18-19 and it wouldn't surprise me if he started falling down in levels at the age of 27-28. He has already played more games at the age of 22 (268 games with internationals) than some have played at the age of 26. Especially when you're a winger who's relying on pace and stamina which makes it harder to keep the levels high, as he will naturally lose a bit of pace at the age of 28-29.

[@Slim2Flo]

They just need to take their fitness and health very seriously like ronaldo does if they want longevity. When you look at lifestyle and habits of Rooney, or hazard for example its easy to see why they retired at 31-34. Where players like thiago silva, pepe, ronaldo, totti play til late 30s and even past 40. Its their dedication and sometimes of course its bad luck if their body gives up on them but with proper care and discipline they can do it. Ronaldo is very open about his routine and habits so you gotta respect him.

[@ayrmendina8314]

@@ahmedkhalled1427 This is my thinking too. Of course, I don't doubt that the likes of Saka will have a strict environment where he seeks to keep working and remaining in his element with nutrition and recovery. He truly seems to love football. But alike to what you've said, that's a thought I share too. I hope he is able to. Naturally, once a footballer's career is over there is a whole life to still be had and I'd hope the injuries obtained are maintained and do not have any chronic effects. But I suppose, that's why they get paid so high. That's the sacrifice.

[@ayrmendina8314]

@@Slim2Flo Agreed. However, I feel Ronaldo and Thiago Silva are the anomalies. I look forward to some of our favourites being able to get to a point where they can be. I wish them well .

[@FalseNi9e]

It's the perfect addition!

[@AlHurea-q7l]

He is some one who will play the centre back role offensively better than Timber pretty well..thanks to Jorghino for encouraging the dude during the Euros to join 😀

[@_official_luke_mac89_]

Anyone else think james should be a manager he is so so good at all the football tactics and things like that big up james keep smashing it along with the aftv crew

[@AaronJones-ew3nf]

Defence wins titles 🎉

[@rickyyg26]

The club is officially holding off their away kit release until Ricardo Aura Calafiori comes in

[@BeforeThisNovember]

Officially?

[@Yunit87]

No they are eating Jesus to return

[@rickyyg26]

@@BeforeThisNovember it’s a joke my guy

[@BeforeThisNovember]

@@rickyyg26 ha ha

[@RichmondMakoni]

No buddy, the release date is confirmed..... 18 July

[@sargonsblackgrandfather2072]

Perfect at LB

[@jackmanning6843]

He is expensive for our budget, however, we should be getting rid of maybe Tierney and kiwior or maybe even zinny to help pay for him and keep the squad less compact with less important players.

[@HerbalBigG]

Keep up the good work James

[@Too_many_chiefs]

Maybe timber will start more in midfield next season 🎉

[@ayrmendina8314]

That Italian bias huh James? ;) just kidding. Agreed with everything said :) Good stuff

[@ኀይለሚካኤል]

LB -Calfori/zini/tomi LCB-gabi/calfori RCB-saliba/timber RB - white/timber/tomi perfect defence with raya

[@032theo]

Tomi has played really well when he's filled in for Saliba. He's class in the air and 1v1, i see him ahead of White and Timber if Saliba isn't playing. If he can stay fit that is.

[@ኀይለሚካኤል]

@@032theo ya tomi can play everywhere but if saliba isnt playing we need more natural Cb profile Timber for sure

[@032theo]

@@ኀይለሚካኤል i've never seen Timber play CB so i'll take your word for it

[@user-nu1es3yy5h]

good times ahead for arsenal fans worldwide 💙

[@Lawless147]

Personally don’t think we are going to get another mid it’s going to be either timber or calafori pushing up to 6 to creat a box with rice

[@earlencollings2422]

For the past 2 seasons I've predicted we won't lose any home games, obviously I was wrong lol. This season I'm tripling down on that, we're not losing any home games and we are not losing morw than 2 games the whole season😮

[@AmoryYemeni]

as good as Calafiori is, let's not forget our priorities, we are prioritising these signings and will end up short on signing a clinical goal scorer which is why we lost out the league this season. For those will reply "but we scored the most goals in the league" - yes but we didn't win the odd games where a top finisher would bail you out in certain games where you need something out of nothing, we can't always play perfect to win games, you can't always rely on Saka or a Odegaard to get the goals, YOU NEED A NATURAL GOAL SCORER, don't say Havertz because his ratio is 1 goal in 4/5 chances, you need at least 1 goal in 2 to beat City. PRIORITISE THE STRIKER ARTETA!

[@harryward8078]

He’s going to play LB! Stop trying to replace Gabriel !

[@shaheryarnaqvi8]

B white. Saliba Gabriel Kimmich. Califiori Saka. Odegard. D.rice. N.Williams Toney

[@james_fein]

I spotted in James' graphic Ben White (DM) 🤔 It got me thinking. What's yous think of this back4 with this midfield. Timber Saliba Gabby Calafiori BenWhite as a 6 next to Rice Ø8 coyg❤

[@rickyyg26]

Personally I believe Calafiori Gabi Saliba White with Timber at 6 would be better

[@james_fein]

@@rickyyg26 as soon as I posted this. I was thinking OR timber in there as the 6

[@FamzYBadMan]

Can timber play in CDM? he has experience inverting, and correct me if im wrong but he's played there before in CM maybe?

[@gogoowanate9888]

Watxh out everyone as Calafiori takes on the Xhaka role and make arsenal great again... Vamos Mikel

[@JonMotivationalRend]

Arteta building the spine from the back. Love it. Calafiora I think could also play MF.

[@whazupwituwhazupwitu5194]

Can’t believe Arsenal spent £12M on Pablo Mari. What an absolutely horrible piece of business that was.

[@scenario7f12]

To be fair, it's only 12m and he was moved on fairly quickly

[@jeffbeasley8283]

If hes not playing left back then he can hold bench of piss off. Cannot believe how quickly your dismissing Gabriel, so disrespectful its crazy and you lot KNOW some of the players watch AFTV. Whether you say it is irrelevant with that thumbnail especially when the thumbnails get seen more than a video anyway. Really disappointed in you guys

[@Slim2Flo]

I agree they should be careful but its obvious arteta is aware that gabriels head can be turned after the saudi shite, it makes sense to have plans in place. In my view gabriel is more likely to leave than saliba is. Everyone wants saliba to leave because they know he is best in the world and hate that he is an arsenal player and cant admit it. If he played for madrid watch how quickly everyone starts admitting he is world class and best in the world etc.. but saliba seems happy, he will only leave if he is 25 or so and we have made no progress. But that wont happen as arteta keeps improving every year.

[@jeffbeasley8283]

@Slim2Flo That was a year ago before they built this partnership to what it is now and let's be absolutely clear. We have not had a CB partnership this good in my entire life of supporting this club. Adams was amazing but he carried that defense and made everyone better. Saliba is phenomenal but he does not carry Gabriel, they complement each other perfectly and imo we should be spending that Califiori transfer money on contracts to tie both down and make sure they don't even want to look anywhere else. If we keep this defense together then we will challenge for the league every season

[@scenario7f12]

​@@jeffbeasley8283calafiori will come in as a left back or a back up who will get plenty of minutes, not in any case do I want him replacing Gabriel but I'd rather have him as the back up over someone like rob holding

[@davidgreen4288]

The reflection on your glass dude😂

[@Verxife]

Why isn't Kiwior there for the defensive signings?

[@jamescarter5041]

Kiwior is rubbish.

[@goodmorningUG]

Woow,Tomiyasu being taller than Ben white is a surprise 😂

[@princetondonbraye2817]

This guy put all the formations but the correct one.😂😂

[@user-oc9iy5kt7v]

Hey James love your contents and views question do you think we should upgrade on the RB position and swith Ben White as a CDM?

[@StageVisualLX]

wait till hes signed first lads

[@JosefaSavu]

You missed Kiwior as a defensive signing? Wouldn't he be the best comparison?

[@joefleming-mulford9290]

Defenders over 6ft wow what an insight.

[@andregrant1416]

Why are we not going for Ivan Toney as our new striker. We have a player that came out and said he would play for Arsenal. Can anyone tell me why we stopped moving for him because he would be perfect for us even though Haverts plays in that position.

[@valentinejohn130]

Until I see him perform for arsenal am not getting carried away......

[@Realgogetter-c6k]

Personally think rice was bought to replace partey and calafori will replace xhakas role

[@mikky-g7552]

Arteta is going to use 3 CB and 2 wing backs like he tried to do at the start of last season

[@connorstevens94]

I think califiori will play left back I can see them maybe deploying Ben white or timber cdm

[@shanepovey-garman7586]

He will do ok for juventus....

[@fromthesticks2027]

Sounds like a DM profile to me.

[@taskbeats1]

I think he experiment with a back 3 and 5 Cb

[@ILLGamingg]

They’ll do a GQ together after you finish second next season

[@glblock6236]

Imo hes definetely playing LB that was by far our weakest position last season so many different players playing there and none of them really performing that well , in our system under arteta calafiori is perfect for that hes really good defensevely , great in the air and in one v ones and is great on the ball and can easily play inverted

[@bna919]

Yeah he'll play left back and can cover for Gabriel if Gabriel gets injured

[@remy7663]

He wasnt that good when he played LB 2 seasons ago tho, hopefully he improved since then

[@glblock6236]

@@remy7663 everything ive seen from suggests that he can play LB hes strong 1 v 1 , hes quick and very good with the ball and in our system he wont overlap that much hes probably gonna invert when we have the ball and when we dont thats when he goes to LB which i think suits h very well cuz like i said defensevely and in 1v1 hes really strong

[@remy7663]

@@glblock6236 Yea theoretically his traits and strengths will be transferable to LB, hopefully it works

[@TwainDerrick]

If Saliba doesn't start in the back four...Am definately not COMFORTABLE!!!

[@deeray4637]

Why tf would saliba be dropped? Are you smoking rock?

[@fromthesticks2027]

😂

[@samsvng]

he is box to box midfielder

[@kevinmarcoi1402]

I can actually see him playing at 6

[@hrhemmanuel7086]

We legit do not need Zini anymore.

[@eslayer7629]

The Arsenal tactics video we’ve been looking forward to 😂🎉

[@danieladams4561]

Attest was smoking crack when he bought Mari for £12m.

[@alfmartin8064]

U swear u signed Cedric no?

[@beautykoketso2503]

Basically he just David Luis but better defensively

[@arjanndoj4444]

If Ziny will not be used in midfield, better sell him

[@Criggz96]

Think it would be ridiculous not to start the season with timber, it’s only fair on him really,& I think he’s that good he’s got to play! The options were gonna have is a joke by the looks of it

[@owenelijahnsubuga8273]

The fact that there is speculation on Gabriel position in the team saddens me lyk Maghales isn't being appreciated as Saliba is

[@AmoryYemeni]

AND HOLD ON, WE ARE NEVER COMFORTABLE WITH ZINCHENKO STARTING ESPECIALLY IN THE BIG GAMES

[@user-oi8hk9yp3y]

How about Timber DM

[@theopratama9047]

Isn't timber play as lb?

[@romio6597]

Why bringing a player had a ligament injury 😮

[@SamsungSai-hw2mc]

We keep forgetting Jacob

[@SonnyAFC]

Plot twist: Califiori coming in as a 3rd CB and we switch our formation to 352 and completely change it up

[@cree32]

No Kiwior??

[@mohra968]

I don't respect anyone who disrespect Gabriel megalles

[@scottadams4655]

I'm happy to drop £40-50m on defenders if they are of great quality

[@nomanlikedara]

gabriel is 26 years not 22

[@user-st1du4ig8u]

Excellent analysis James !!!

[@brianregan6041]

Id let zinny go or move him into midfield

[@przemekmielecki6552]

Tomiyasu is CB?

[@joefleming-mulford9290]

He is clearly not a left back anymore, he would be wasted there.

[@odekinamundi3681]

Why can't arsenal have eight defenders to enable them fight on all fronts?

[@shyjongshi3625]

Que falta de respeto a Gabriel jamasssss pero jamasssss va ser mejor que Gabriel y saliba

[@arjanndoj4444]

What about Kiwior

[@Yunit87]

Why not sell tomiyasu and keep zenko and Gabriel?