Rio Ferdinand, a former player for Manchester United, discussed his thoughts on Arsenal’s recent acquisition, Riccardo Calafiori, before the player makes his official debut against Wolves.
Ferdinand thinks that Mikel Arteta’s current team may have a significant weakness that Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival at Arsenal could solve.
After making an impressive impression for Italy at Euro 2024, the defender signed a contract worth an estimated £40 million to join the Gunners from Serie A team Bologna.
With Calafiori, Arsenal, who allowed the fewest goals in the Premier League last season—just 29—will be able to strengthen their already strong defense.
Due to his versatility, the Italian defender can play left-back or central defense, which makes him an invaluable member of the team.
Ferdinand discussed his thoughts on Calafiori’s potential role at Arsenal, emphasizing his ability to play on the left side of the field.
On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated, “The two center backs stay the same, but I loved what I saw of him (Calafiori) in the left-back area in the short amount of time at Euro 2024 for Italy.”
Ferdinand feels that Riccardo Calafiori would be better off playing as an Arsenal left-back because Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are probably going to stay as the starting center backs.
Arsenal was biased to the right last season, with Ben White, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka working well together on that side.
Ferdinand feels that Calafiori’s abilities on the ball could provide a significant boost to the Gunners on the opposite side.
He continued: “He played under Thiago Motta, who’s a new-age thinking coach. He knows how to play football and how the rotations and systems work. I see him occupying that left-back area and coming into midfield – he’s great at driving with the ball.
“The left side has been a weakness or the weaker part of the team and he could change that. That’ll be a huge benefit for Arsenal.”
As the Premier League season approaches, Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Calafiori integrates into the squad and whether his presence can help the team achieve even greater defensive solidity.
