He’s unbelievable - Arteta lauds Calafiori after Arsenal cameo

Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori (Credit: Imago)

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Riccardo Calafiori in action for Arsenal against Lyon on August 11, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

He’s unbelievable - Arteta lauds Calafiori after Arsenal cameo

Seye Omidiora 21:33 - 11.08.2024

The Italian defender played in the Gunners’ Emirates Cup win over Lyon on Sunday, leading to praise from his manager.

Mikel Arteta extolled Riccardo Calafiori after the defender’s cameo in Arsenal’s Emirates Cup success over Lyon on Sunday. 

Arsenal vs Lyon

Two set-piece goals from William Saliba and Gabriel secured a 2-0 victory for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, as last season’s Premier League runners-up ended pre-season with another triumph. 

Many at the Emirates were pleased to see new signing Calafiori get a run out for the first time since completing a €45 million deal for the 22-year-old defender, with the former Bologna man replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko with just over 20 minutes to play. 

Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori came on for Oleksandr Zinchenko for his Arsenal debut (Credit: Imago)

Arteta spoke highly of the summer acquisition afterwards, reiterating there is so much to come from the former Bologna player.

“He brings a lot of versatility because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, he can occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender,” said Arteta after Calafiori’s cameo. 

“When you see his presence, his physicality, how he goes to the duels, he’s unbelievable. Obviously, he’s done a lot last year and I think he’s a player that can improve us. 

“It’s a lot of new things for him. It’s a big step up, but he’s so willing as you could see, for the 20 minutes that he played, he’s so energetic, so passionate, a really intelligent player. He’s going to give us a lot."

What comes next for Arsenal?

Calafiori could make his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Saturday, August 17.