Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has been ‘impressed’ by the Gunners’ left-back Riccardo Calafiori this season.
After being impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances for Bologna, the Gunners decided to purchase him last summer. However, he was unable to serve his new club properly last term due to fitness problems, making only 11 Premier League starts.
Thankfully, the Italian has enjoyed a promising start to this campaign, commencing in all three games. He scored the winner against Manchester United in the opening Premier League game and provided two assists versus Leeds United. Overall, he has helped his side keep two clean sheets.
Now, on Sports Mole, Winterburn says that he has been impressed by Calafiori this season as he has looked solid defensively and didn’t allow Mohamed Salah much space last game.
The former defender further claims that although Calafiori likes to go forward, he always manages to find himself in the right place defensively and doesn’t get exposed.
Winterburn said:
“I have to say Calafiori has impressed in the opening three games. Scoring a goal was great, but he has looked assured defensively, gave Salah nothing and goes forward with the ball very well. He is always looking to drive forward and never lets his defensive duties slack off, he is always in the right place.”
Ex-defender lauds Calafiori
Calafiori, valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt, is a centre-back by trait but is also comfortable in the left-back position. Arteta likes to use him in the LB, as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have established themselves as undisputed starters in the CB position.
Calafiori has also been a key player for Italy. He is a technically gifted player and is comfortable with possession. He is still just 23 and isn’t the finished article yet. The former Bologna star is a perfect modern-day defender and has the potential to reach the top if he can stay fit.
Arsenal have also purchased Piero Hincapié this summer, while they have Myles Lewis-Skelly for the left-back position. So, competition for this position is fierce, and Winterburn has stated that Arteta could use Lewis-Skelly in the middle of the park to give him play time.
Meanwhile, Arsenal entered the international break following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool and will resume their action against Nottingham Forest next weekend.