Riccardo Calafiori emerged as one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, impressing fans and analysts alike with his assured performances for Italy. But Arsenal’s acquisition of the 22-year-old isn’t just a knee-jerk reaction to his tournament exploits; it’s a well-calculated move aimed at reinforcing a squad that’s being meticulously crafted by Mikel Arteta. While Arsenal’s scouting department monitored Calafiori’s remarkable progress at Bologna, it was Arteta who insisted on fast-tracking the deal. The manager saw in Calafiori a blend of technical finesse, defensive acumen, and audacity on the ball — qualities that align perfectly with Arsenal’s tactical evolution under Arteta.

At the Euros, Calafiori operated as a left-sided center-back for Italy, but his footballing education at the Roma academy predominantly molded him into a left-back — a role he is expected to assume at Arsenal. His versatility is a significant asset, offering Arteta much-needed flexibility in defense, akin to the adaptability provided by players like Ben White and Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal’s Left-Back Conundrum

Arsenal kicked off the 2023-24 season plagued with defensive absences. Oleksandr Zinchenko was slow to recover from a calf issue, delaying his Premier League start until September. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu dealt with injuries and suspensions along with Jurrien Timber who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the opening day, sidelining him for the entire season.

Arteta prefers to maintain a squad of eight fit senior defenders, a number Arsenal fell short of throughout much of last season. The left-back position was particularly unstable, as the team had to rotate between Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, and Jakub Kiwior to adapt to fluctuating form and fitness levels.

While Tomiyasu was the most consistent at left-back, his absence from the club’s summer tour of the United States highlighted his ongoing fitness issues. Arteta’s tactical demands for the full-back role are specific and complex.

What does Arteta want from his full backs?

In Arteta’s tactical setup, full-backs play a critical role by either inverting into midfield or maintaining width, creating flexibility that is essential for Arsenal’s fluid play. Riccardo Calafiori is perfectly suited to this role due to his versatility and his ability on the ball. He can seamlessly transition between being an overlapping full-back and an inverted midfielder, ensuring that Arsenal maintains balance on the left side even in Zinchenko’s absence. Kieran Tierney was loaned out, because he was struggling with the inverting role. Calafiori’s ability to step into midfield allows Martinelli to exploit the half-spaces, while Declan Rice can either move forward as a No. 8 or sit deeper as a No. 6, providing playmaking support. Calafiori’s integration into Arsenal’s squad will not only enhance defensive stability but also allow Arteta to execute his tactical strategies more effectively, offering flexibility and continuity on the left flank, thus solving one of the crucial challenges Arsenal faced last season.

Arsenal’s standard 4-3-3 formation

When Calafiori joins the attack and White plays as a midfielder

When White joins the attack and Calafiori plays as a midfielder