Ben White has witnessed Riccardo Calafiori improve in his position at right-back, with Mikel Arteta reportedly facing a major call over the Englishman’s future at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has demonstrated his vicious nature on multiple times as Arsenal manager.
And there might be another major call with fierce competition in what has become the Premier League’s strongest defense. Riccardo Calafiori is vying for a starting spot in Arsenal’s back four.
It might not be Tuesday night against Paris Saint-Germain. Or even against Southampton this Saturday. However, there is a war approaching. We may not have seen it coming since Jurrien Timber has performed so brilliantly at left back that it was difficult to see left-footed Calafiori displacing him from the starting lineup.
William Saliba and Gabriel have created a powerful centre-back pairing, and breaking them up would be a big ask, despite Gabriel’s occasional errors. Calafiori, on the other hand, is now putting a lot of pressure on Ben White because the Italy defender can play left back while Timber moves to the opposite side.
Timber is a strong player and fighter. And he is versatile. Arteta may be envisioning Arsenal’s new first-choice back four: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori.
It would be foolish to relegate White just yet, given he has been perhaps the greatest right back in the Premier League for the previous couple of years. Furthermore, competition may bring out the best in players, and White’s performance is as likely to improve as a result of Calafiori’s presence.
White has also been nursing a knock, so that’s another issue to consider. However, it is a testament to outstanding recruiting, since the greatest squads always have adequate cover, robust competition, and choices.plays in specific games. The Ukrainian defender is very excellent on the ball and has experience. White has a strong relationship with Bukayo Saka, which might be useful in breaking down teams in specific matchups.
But in Calafiori, Arsenal now has true top-tier depth and players who put pressure on others. And no one can play every game. As a result, being adaptable is essential. However, Arteta shown his ruthlessness a year ago when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya, and despite initial fan outcry, no one is questioning it today.
We didn’t see that one coming when Ramsdale signed a new deal at the end of the previous season and remains a top Premier League goalie. However, modest margins can make a difference.
And Calafiori is capturing people’s attention. He is aggressive, powerful, and equally adept at both offense and defense. Sky presented some fantastic statistics following Calafiori’s dominating performance against Leicester.
He won the most duels, the most aerial duels, the most set piece XGs, and the third-most shots in the game. He is engaging, ambitious, and will undoubtedly be an excellent signing.
He cost £42 million and has made it plain that he has come to play, not merely be a part of the team. Arteta will welcome the challenge, and it may now be a direct fight between Calafiori and White for a spot in Arsenal’s starting back four.
