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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[@adrianhall8765]

Excited to see the potential partnership between him and Martinelli.

[@ThePanenkaGuyYT]

Or trossard

[@pipbeg12]

Ain't Martinelli's heritage Italian too?

[@greyfoss9304]

@@ThePanenkaGuyYTI’m more excited for martinelli because he’s got so much potential if he’s allowed to cut inside unlike last season where he was forced to stay wide without an overlap. 20 goal season infoming

[@leerobinson1984]

for sure this is going to transform our left side.

[@gtramsay]

@@greyfoss9304 That's probably a bit over-optimistic! But it's a fair point in general. Martinelli was starved of the ball last season. Calafiori could give them much more balanced attacking options. For FPL purposes, this might make not only Calafiori and Martinelli appealing options, but also perhaps Rice as a sometimes very advanced left-side No. 8. And Saka perhaps slightly less appealing, as they won't be looking to him quite so much this year.

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

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.

[@runswithcows]

your closing comment is underrated.

[@arsenalmagiks6955]

😂😂

[@Didibotts]

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

[@naomibosibori3138]

😅😅😅

[@Nayfus9]

Fr

[@the_savva_b]

Nice turn around from 2020

[@tagg8233]

It really is that simple at this point

[@christiansimbarashe]

​@@tagg8233 I worry for him tho. the last 2 seasons were so draining. The guys are only humans too you know. I'm drained and I'm only a fan with no responsibilities

[@fortpyjamas]

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

[@goyonman9655]

What is your starting four

[@failing_yak8039]

Tomi is just a walking injury

[@goyonman9655]

@@failing_yak8039 😭😭😭

[@aka_jr]

@@failing_yak8039good thing he’s not expected to start

[@FeelingIsHealing]

@@goyonman9655 Calafiori - Gabriel - Saliba - White

[@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!

[@hikki523]

What bother me is where should timber be playing..that guy is class too but I guess that’s a good kind of problem for a team to have

[@JeffSmitho-du1ml]

@@hikki523 Man City always rotate the back line and that’s helped them for years, if we have backup players like Timber, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko that will hopefully help us to go deeper into UCL and the cups

[@ToddParker]

@@JeffSmitho-du1ml 💯

[@04foreverinvincible69]

@@hikki523timber can play dm so sometimes we might see him at cdm with rice and odegaard central

[@Ario92]

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.

[@fxrichkid]

And that's excluding timber 😮

[@goyonman9655]

What of Timber?

[@silverheart7964]

Timber absolutely has to be in the team. Maybe somebody will lose their place.

[@hiranom20]

Nah. Just rostation. It's a long season.​@@silverheart7964

[@goyonman9655]

@@silverheart7964 White Maybe

[@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 👌🏻🙏🏻

[@danielk6477]

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.

[@nassernathan]

Who was their making the mistakes

[@danielk6477]

@nassernathan forgot it was quarter finals but the Sane created a goal that was on Zinchenko. he was there to help move the ball up but was getting roasted

[@leulmesfin2873]

@@nassernathanit was Kiwior

[@danielk6477]

@leulmesfin2873 had it backwards your right, Zinchenko came on for Kiwior. But still I remember watching thinking they need someone who is more of a mix of the 2 to solidify that LB.

[@EMMHQ]

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

[@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.

[@yungdkay1008]

They are not leaving We have Tierney and tavarez to sell

[@tagg8233]

Timber is the real unknown at this point, because we just haven't got to see him yet. I'm intrigued to see how he'll be used this season

[@aokaparagit]

Kiwior is a CB. I'll keep Kiwior and sell Zinny then promote Lewis Kelly

[@nertil2259]

Tavares has gone my friend

[@SkinnyAJ]

Keep kiwior sell zinchenko

[@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.

[@austindisper7106]

Happy to see the money spent at LB. He can double as a CB. As you said, we were very right side dominant and hoping he will provide the opportunity for us to be dangerous on the left with Martinelli or Trossard. Gives us a ton of options going forward as well as depth in the backline

[@JB17658]

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.

[@mkodyglobalsouthsoldier]

Me as a fan in the stands at 6.3 😂

[@Crovax]

@@mkodyglobalsouthsoldier can you play 9?

[@mkodyglobalsouthsoldier]

@@Crovax 2 and 5 and 3 and no 6 is my positions on the pitch ( 8 as a emergency when injuries to main others ) I offer my services for free , only want bread and water as salary to get in ( after i make demands 😂) Seriously traininf my 5 year old son to 1 touch and finish Walk into it and shoot Where balls stop you shoot from Floor is lava 🌋 where ball stops is no lava

[@Jordan-nd6lg]

​@@mkodyglobalsouthsoldierbut can you do it on a cold night at Stoke?

[@fromisgunner]

No chance Saliba is 6'4" when Havertz is the tallest in the squad at 6'3"

[@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❤

[@karabomafa5609]

Lol you're delusional... He had his heart set on Juventus... Only reason Arsenal were even in the picture was because Juve decided that 50mil for a CB with horrible history of injury wasn't worth it.. at 30mil he'd be in Turin already

[@jimmyralte7]

​@@karabomafa5609 nope bologna doesnt want to sell to Juve because they poached motta from them. He had the option of real, ars and other teams i forgot.

[@karabomafa5609]

@@jimmyralte7 clearly you're out of the loop... Arsenal found out about how much Calafiori cost from Juventus -Bologna negotiations

[@jimmyralte7]

@@karabomafa5609 got my news from fab. Either he lied or you did. It doesnt matter to me. 🤣

[@nathanwright2968]

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

[@danstrauss4301]

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!

[@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

[@joachimschmidt7662]

It's amazing how a team can be worth billions but incomplete. In two positions

[@am5790]

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

[@amoobunameenoladimeji883]

Please Bring Back Retro Tactics for the Summer Ferguson's 07/08 Side and 98/99 Side Pep's 17/18 Team Leicester 15/16 Side You can do teams other than English Teams as well Jupe Hykenes Bayern 12/13 Please just something to keep us Entertained this summer 😂❤ Love the Content Btw

[@333nickmcd]

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

[@dan32321]

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.

[@R4lka]

HE JOINED!

[@ukulelelab4219]

timber also practically a new left back signing this season. Strength and depth

[@tykrise]

Great vid. Just found you, now subbed! Looking forward to your Brighton content, as ever I don't think it'll be boring in blue and white with Fabian Hurzeler now in charge!

[@aaroncathey6706]

Great analysis. Undoubtedly.

[@c0mbat15]

I'm assuming that Calafiori might be used at left CB against mid block teams be a ball carrier out of defence so that the front six can push higher up. We still need more speed up front to beat high lined defences in the mid block.

[@woodyrulesok]

100% the first area I would have wanted us to improve on. the left back position, was a constant issue last season

[@timothyvunvun]

everyone forgot that we still have Timber. He is like a new signing this season. We are signing too many defenders. We are lacking a 20 goal striker.

[@mangoesboy]

We needed that singing at the back. And we do need an alternate pure striker.

[@commentarytalk1446]

100% imho you are right. This may be a good signing but the weak link in the chain is the 20 goal box striker - Arsenal has not got that player who turns in the box and rockets a shot on target consistently as well as sucking up pressure from defenders because of this threat and increasing chances for others.

[@kahlilbredeson1232]

@@commentarytalk1446 yeah you’re right. They’ve got 6 of them that share the load

[@yarovan7870]

Blood is definitely pumping🔥

[@PatrickJScahill]

Hi Adam, I love listening to this pod. Is this pod available on Spotify or any of the other mediums. I can't seem to find it.

[@kavehahangar5994]

so so excited about him

[@hanunyafa]

The last manager we had who collected central defenders was George Graham. Like another planet.

[@wrd777]

Rice back to 6. Now a "left-attacking triangle" of Calafiori/Merino/Martinelli as good as the Right. An exciting prospect! He even looks as if he could cover 6 as well.

[@juancarlosgallegos3902]

Rice not good enough as the 6

[@M0J0-RL236]

@@juancarlosgallegos3902 if he's partnered with Merino and Odegaard I think it could work. Playing 6 in Arsenals system is one of the hardest roles in the world. All he needs to improve is his line breaking passes. I still think our best midfield is Rice 8 and a playmaking 6 like Jorginho/Partey but we dont know how much we can rely on them this season.

[@schmalan]

Very excited about this player

[@ericbenchoff3862]

I hope he gets some minutes soon Adam, would love to see what he can do as a left back against Villa for example !

[@georgecoles7268]

I am happy because he seems like a high quality player. I am overall nonplused about transfers so far this summer because I want to see more clearly how we plan to beat Bayern in the CL for example or what we plan to do differently to do the double over Villa, or not draw Tottenham at home. While Califiori definitely raises the floor in left back and we will hopefully not have to see Zinchenko any more, I am more stressed about us getting an elite 8 and a very good or elite winger. I think Saka played too many minutes last year and it really affected him. hs is so good that he still makes a great overall contribution but his edged was dull when we needed that one important goal. Similarly, Martinellli was not overplayed but when he got injured it put us in a bind and we lost his contribution. we need literally a few more goals per season but not just any goals, a few game winning goals.

[@jameshart3869]

Sound the background music very distracting this video! Fantastic analysis as usual though Adam!

[@funkfrank1]

Exceptional player..very very good decision

[@virupakshawalla5734]

His fitness over 5 yesrs with his injuries is my only worry about him. 🤞🙏

[@OMJOVI]

Sweet presentation cor sure. I had no option but to like and sign

[@GraemeWatkins]

Amazing analysis bud 🎉

[@EmperorDraconianIV]

First team defence: Calafiori Gabriel Saliba White. Second team for cups: Zinchenko/Skully Kiwior Timber Tomiyasu. Wow❤❤❤❤

[@danleavers1583]

My initial thought was while he seems like a great signing, why would we not play timber and white, however if you think about it timber is just coming back from an ACL so good to not immediately put pressure on him and also have plenty of options across the various competitions. We now so strong in defence, I’d be excited to see more options in left 8 and upfront.

[@ordro107]

200%, Zinni is massive in the build up but gets megged, Kiwior super solid but the team does NOT tick with him. Good analysis and yes, exactly the position I wanted solved as a fan all the fans were discussing this all of last season really.

[@joshuastride]

Try telling the Roman boy he's a carbonara made with pancetta instead of guanciale.

[@jared2332]

While this could allow more penetration from build up up the left I have a feeling they will still primarily build from the right but this will enable them to have a much more significant threat switching the field after the defensive shape is dragged heavily towards the right side.

[@golamkashef5255]

Left side was our weakness. Most of the opposition attacks last season came from that side. If Calafiori retains his form and Arsenal just keeps doing what they did last year, things look tough for whoever is facing us...

[@chanceobondo3843]

Yes that over dependence on the right side cost us the game against Villa. If balanced with the addition of Calafiori then we can do this !

[@portzblitz]

Thanks! 👏🏾💜🥂

[@absmith12]

White, Saliba, Gabi, Calafiori Best defence in the league

[@paranoia-palace]

Didn't mention Timber/Tomi/Zinc at all for the starting left-backs. Madness.

[@akamiconsultingassociatesl4188]

Good analysis

[@dineshbabu8976]

He would soon become the night mare for the opponents

[@SuperWolfman9]

He's like Maldini fused with Pirlo (but obviously still very raw)

[@Joonzi]

Yes absolutely excited! 🤍❤️

[@perleon_]

He’s like a versatile version of Sergio Ramos which you can’t even tell if he’s a defensive fullback but a CB regardless

[@henrytilley95]

RIP Gunnersaurus, would love to see him reinstated and make the XI

[@liljhonney7seviltwin]

I would say for the left wing position it would be better to show martinelli then trossard

[@liljhonney7seviltwin]

Maybe

[@BteamBencher]

Hopefully he helps “fix” the left hand side and gives us a second White to help Martinelli get back to his best form

[@celestineifiorah7103]

You are a genius 👏

[@scraps7624]

Adam is the GOAT host

[@tushyranx5860]

Merino could be the last piece of the jigsaw to complete that left flank 😮 I'll make us stretch teams to submission

[@franklingoodwin]

🎵When the moon hits your eyes, like a big pizza pie...Calafiori🎵

[@triplenz]

While it is not a position that needed urgent reenforcement, left back has been a position that has not been nailed in last 2 seasons. If Calafiori can come in and nail the position, it will add stability & have an impact on performance of left sided wingers as well.

[@jamesparker1547]

Hi any chance you could do one for Ipswich transfers.calafiori looks class btw

[@deadlypalms]

Can't wait to see Arteta turn him into a switchable winger/forward/keeper.

[@syedhashimsyedmoksin8849]

I guess we really dont need another DM since most likely timber will go up there when the back 4 basically occupied now.. now we only need to add or improve wingers or strikers

[@yousef5886]

I've seen some comments berating Arteta for buying another CB, but none about City's backline which consisted of 4 CBs for the most part last season

[@ps5andstuffhere]

Who complained? Rival fans that don't watch every Arsenal match? This guy is lb and cb and has also played dmf a few times

[@naymyosetlu1626]

improving the counter attack

[@ericphillips9240]

It seems like Arteta is building a team that could rotate positions as the play changes. This would make them nearly unstoppable.

[@deanjustvibing3337]

Ricardo is very slept on , watch him come up at Arsenal and become a high value target for many teams .

[@JoshAFC]

You say that as if theres a lot of clubs above arsenal to progress to lol. Literally the only clubs someone would consider are real Madrid, Barca, Bayern or city lol maybe psg too

[@deanjustvibing3337]

@@JoshAFC yeah you right , those are the exact clubs im talking about , not just those clubs im talking about any club in general below or above Arsenal doesnt matter .

[@M0J0-RL236]

Madrid Bayern and Juve already tried to get him lol. He's already a high value target but he only wanted Arsenal

[@deanjustvibing3337]

@@M0J0-RL236 w Riccardo

[@JoshAFC]

@@deanjustvibing3337 he literally turned down real Madrid to join us and all those moves are maybe slight improvements anyway. Unless we don't achieve at all over the next 3-5 years he's not going anywhere. Tho I bet you're going to get the crystal ball out and tell me we won't win anything haha

[@IggyGoesPop666]

So he's a left back and a left wing back all in one ... impressive

[@skeetch100]

I expect your promise to be kept and a Rangers transfer video to be on its way.

[@kaikwon1604]

Am i the only one concerned with how Viggo's somehow learnt perfect English and now covers football topics

[@emilyonkov2172]

All Arsenal fans should be happy. 1. Saliba simply wont be able to stay as healthy as he did last year (maybe no one ever will) so we will need rotation. 2. For anyone who stood through our losses over the last two years, id say at least half of them came from goals conceded due to poor left back play (either from lack of physicality or confidence). 3. Kai did just fine in his role. Does he miss? Yes. Who doesn't. One thing has become clear over the last ten years, an Out and Out no9 doesnt win you leagues. It's a commodity that city use well, but Halaand is not the difference maker. Watkins would be great or another physical poacher (a bigger trossard maybe). 4. but for now the weakness is certainly on our over reliance on defender's health and lack of mobility down the left hand side (hence Martinelli always being double teamed and not producing as much).

[@christopherbunce9724]

Martinelli and trossard are about to have the best season of their careers

[@ps5andstuffhere]

Last season Arsenal had issues at left back

[@nathanwright2968]

One other thing to note is he’s 6’2, I don’t think that’s a coincidence with what Arteta’s been building. He’s making this team tall af and I love it

[@bukhariapdelahi7072]

He signed now, he is already an Arsenal player

[@frglrk]

I think can keep ZInny in the squad as he does give us the inverted fullback option but calafiori is a clear upgrade on Kiwior - who I dont think is good enough for Arsenal

[@naomibosibori3138]

Zinny can't defend,was clear in the United pre season game 😂

[@kelly980]

I can't stand Zinny. I think we should sell him.

[@shadeyaakundabweni9626]

how does timber fit in

[@imvula1079]

tactical signing, I'm not expecting alot of fans to be happy. My only problem is...WHO IS HE GOING TO CROSS TO? Gunners need a CF yesterday

[@Doflaminguts]

Hes basically a more handsome and defensively sound zinchenko

[@sebastianthurmond498]

Call me crazy, but I would play him at the 6. White at RB, Saliba and Gabriel at CB and Timber at LB. I think he’s just what Arsenal are looking for at the 6. I feel Rice was much better as the 8 than a 6 because he’s waaaay too cautious with the ball at his feet.

[@mohamedwalid4324]

I don't know!! There 😂😂

[@michaeljamesronane2256]

Adam do you think that Calafiori could become a holding midfielder?

[@chenoiacazzo]

Under a Guardiola 100%

[@kunimitsune177]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@danperrin3459]

It was the Basel manager moved him to CB not Motta 🙂

[@Advoc8te4Truth]

I think ultimately Shevchenko and Kiwior are limited in what they can offer Arsenal either personally or collectively. Califiori is simply the next Paolo Maldini and I'm not joking the guy is just ridiculously talented. But unlike Shevchenko and Kiwior he has that Maldini steel. This guy does not want to lose and Arsenal need more players who are obsessed with winning. 😂❤

[@timato234]

Shevchenko? 😂

[@Advoc8te4Truth]

@@timato234 Does it matter? 🤓

[@idontknow-re9dx]

A back 5 with timber and white and a midfield 2 of odegaard and rice honestly feels like it would work but only because i want to be shoehorn timber in somehow

[@ordro107]

Both Timber and Calafiori can actually play CB in FA Cup, or just every now and then when Gabriel or Saliba need a rest. It will bring the best out of Saliba and Gabriel to be able not to play every single game. I have a really good feeling about this transfer. It seemingly solves everything

[@idontknow-re9dx]

@ordro107 that's true that it increases our depth and takes the pressure of Gabriel and saliba, I just can't help but feel that timber and calafiori will share minutes quite a lot. Would be happy to be proven wrong tho ofc

[@kunimitsune177]

A back 5?!🤦🏻‍♂️

[@alrightjb]

Anyone else think that this might give Zinny his wish of being an actual midfielder and replacing Thomas Partey at 6? I think maybe we need a stronger 6 than Zinny but with the options available this summer does it give the chance for us to hold on for a better option next summer while still cashing in on Thomas Partey this summer?

[@thecheechmantube]

Carbonara is actually made with guanciale, not pancetta....haha. So excited about this signing. As a Roma fan, it was sad that he left so early, but happy he is with my beloved Gunners.

[@kunimitsune177]

No. It's *more commonly* made with pancetta because guanciale is not very common, particularly in England, where Adam is from.

[@thecheechmantube]

​@@kunimitsune177 I live in the UK. Just because it's a common misconception to make the dish wrongly. Doesn't make it right. Just like adding cream. Yes pancetta is used but it's not right. It's a variant

[@chrxstianc_1623]

If the Merino deal goes thru…Arsenal will now have a supplier for Martinelli and with a Ben white esque in Calafiori to support him or overlap for those crosses..i believe so..Arsenal was to reliant on the right side..

[@kunimitsune177]

*through

[@car9melo]

Calafiore was a left back before he transitioned to a cb so of course he is good at lb

[@yuni360]

Zinchenko is eggs Kiwor is panchetta and Calafiori is the nicest carbonara 😂😂 well done!

[@Josstick]

well, adam, cus you asked so nice; as a arsenal supporter i now have 100% trust in edu and arteta and the board to sign the best players for mikel

[@LesediMokgatle]

I just want cover for saka and Odegaard. This feels like addressing a problem that doesn't exist.

[@ayeTobi]

This problem will happen soon. I also hope Arteta will see this too.

[@123kaired]

Oh yes lets buy cover for 2 of our best players( who can't be replaced with similar quality and can't be dropped in any prem game) instead of addressing a position we had no one in at lb last year.

[@kunimitsune177]

If you didn't see the problem then you don't know football.

[@ArbinderPetrossi]

Depth is key

[@karannagwekar7048]

I think we got another defender because Saliba or Gabi cannot play every game - and if they do and one of them gets injured, that's season ending for us.

[@malakhimalik7218]

what about Calafiori as a 6? back line of White, Saliba, Gabriel, & Timber. Rice at 8. Rice was definitely at his best playing as an 8 or in a pivot. he seemed to struggle some at the 6