Riccardo Calafiori has now had a few weeks to settle at Arsenal following his arrival from Bologna earlier this summer, and has already made an impression on his new teammates.
Mikel Arteta afforded the Italian his competitive debut for the Gunners yesterday, as he was introduced from the bench for the final ten minutes of the North London club’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, replacing Jurrien Timber at left-back.
The 22-year-old will be aiming to establish himself in the starting XI before too long, though he faces plenty of competition if he is to achieve this.
Calafiori is expected to feature at left-back for Arsenal primarily, despite also being comfortable in the heart of the rearguard. However, the likes of Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will all also be vying for game time in that part of the pitch this season.
In the meantime, though, the defender will be focused upon acclimatising to life in North London and adapting to Arteta’s tactical demands and expectations.
Meanwhile, Ben White has given his verdict on one non-footballing quality that Calafiori has brought to the club.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, White was asked to name the Arsenal player with the best hairstyle.
The right-back said: “Well, it could be the big Italian, couldn’t it? I think he’s got to be number one… It’s top. It’s got to be.”
When asked if he plans to copy the look, White admitted: “I am growing it, so we’ll see.”
Martin Odegaard has already noted White’s tan. If the former Brighton full-back were to add Calafiori’s lengthy locks to his look then he would quickly establish himself as the Gunners’ most fashion forward player.
Mikel Arteta constructing imposing defensive unit
In terms of shared qualities, White and Calafiori are similarly versatile. Both are able to operate in full-back roles and at centre-back.
The arrival of the 5-cap Italy international underlines Arteta’s enduring desire to add physicality and aerial prowess to his back line.
The Gunners offer an imposing force at the back, and have so far kept clean sheets in each of their Premier League outings so far this season.
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