Claims have surfaced suggesting that Riccardo Calafiori should be favoured over superstar defender William Saliba in Arsenal’s starting centre-back pairing, with former Italy international Marco Materazzi reportedly advocating for the Italy international’s inclusion ahead of the French international.
Calafiori, 23, joined ARSENAL in July 2024 from Bologna, where he impressed as a centre-half before making the move to the Premier League. Capable of playing across the back line, he has shown technical ability on the ball and adaptability in Arteta’s setup, earning plaudits for his distribution and defensive instincts.
While Calafiori has featured in important fixtures, he has often operated in wider defensive roles or rotated into the centre when injuries hit. Recent reports, however, claim that voices within the game believe his recent form warrants a regular starting berth even with Saliba available.
Saliba has been widely regarded as one of the world’s premier centre-backs since breaking into Arsenal’s first team. Known for his strength, composure, and leadership from the back, he has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s defence alongside Gabriel Magalhães.
And as Arteta looks to get Arsenal’s season back on track in the Champions League this week, the Gunners boss has been advised by World Cup winner Marco Materazzi to start Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back ahead of superstar defender Saliba.
Saliba has hardly put a foot wrong over the past four years but Materazzi believes Calafiori, who has often played at left-back since joining Arsenal in 2024, is the better option: ‘I think Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best Italian defenders right now,’ former Italy defender Materazzi told Haiper
‘He grew very fast when he was at Bologna. Now Arsenal must believe in him. The best way for Arsenal is for Calafiori to be allowed to play his best football.
‘For me, Calafiori is best at centre-back. Arsenal should play Calafiori with Gabriel instead of William Saliba. He has a very good left foot.’
Why Arteta Will Stick With Saliba Over Calafiori When Fully Fit
Saliba is widely recognised as one of the best centre-backs in world football. His blend of pace, strength, anticipation, and composure under pressure gives Arsenal defensive stability that few defenders can match on a weekly basis. Calafiori, while technically gifted and versatile, has yet to demonstrate a level of consistency that rivals Saliba’s elite standards.
ARSENAL’s defensive success has hinged on the partnership between Saliba and Gabriel. Arteta trusts the pairing’s understanding and communication, which has delivered clean sheets and helped the Gunners compete at the top of the Premier League. Disrupting that alliance without necessity would be counter-intuitive.
Saliba’s physical dominance and ability to read the game complements Arsenal’s defensive system perfectly. Calafiori excels in possession and versatility, but his optimal role appears to be as a rotational option or in specific tactical setups, rather than as a first-choice centre-back for every match.
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