'I don't care what anybody says...' Ian Wright stunned by Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal
Today at 11:15 AM
Arsenal fans were on cloud nine when they purchased Riccardo Calafiori in the summer.
The 22-year-old had helped Bologna reach the Champions League and there was a lot of hype around his name.
Even though Mikel Arteta watched his team produce the best defensive record in the Premier League last season (29 goals conceded), added to the fact that Jurrien Timber was returning from a long-term injury, Calafiori was still added to the club’s ranks.
Arsenal fans first got a taste of the versatile defender during their win at Aston Villa in August, before he announced himself in incredible style against Manchester City.
Calafiori’s stunning goal at the Etihad in his first Premier League start is one that many will remember for a long time because it was a goal-of-the-season contender.
But now that Calafiori is earning more starts and minutes, you are beginning to see his true worth and it has left Ian Wright shocked.
Arsenal beat Leicester City right at the death on Saturday, with two late stoppage-time goals, but it was the performance of Calafiori that caught the eye.
Wright pointed out how the Italy international was everywhere, sometimes popping up in the middle of the park or the left wing.
Usually, it’s acceptable for players to settle in and need time to adapt to their new surroundings, but not for the new kid on the block.
Arsenal’s legendary striker added ‘I don’t care what anybody says’, but he didn’t expect Calafiori to be ‘as ready’ as he is now, as he told Premier League Productions (30/09/24 at 1:40 pm).
Now, he will be hoping to continue that on when Arsenal face French champions Paris Saint-Germain in a mouthwatering Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
Riccardo Calafiori’s start at Arsenal surprises Ian Wright
"I don't care what anybody says, nobody expected him to be as ready and copy and paste as he is now," said Wright.
"His touch map (against Leicester) would have been interesting to see, he was everywhere. We thought we were just signing a left-sided centre-half, who might be able to play left back. He was in midfield, on the left wing and in centre midfield against Leicester.
"What he brought against Leicester, if he continues that, at 22, coming over and people say 'oh, he needs to settle'. He is ready to go and you can see already that is having a clear effect on Martinelli."
