Football News: Riccardo Calafiori’s Shift to Centre-back Pays Dividends
In a career-altering conversation back in March 2023, Riccardo Calafiori’s interim manager at Basel, Heiko Vogel, urged the young defender to reconsider his position on the pitch. “Ricky, do you want to maximize your career?” Vogel asked. Calafiori’s response would soon transform his trajectory.
Vogel’s Tactical Masterstroke
Vogel recalls the pivotal moment when he suggested shifting Calafiori from his natural left-back role to the heart of the Basel defence, just 15 months before the 2024 European Championships. “I felt he had a lack of speed as a full-back for reaching the highest level. Playing centre-back, he had more than enough,” Vogel told Sky Sports.
Calafiori’s Impressive Performances
The decision proved to be a masterstroke. Calafiori’s impressive performances as a centre-back at Basel earned him a move to Bologna last summer, where he continued to excel under the guidance of head coach Thiago Motta. The 22-year-old Italian topped the Bologna charts for most interceptions and aerial duels won, while also contributing with two goals and several assists in Serie A.
International Breakthrough
Calafiori’s standout season at club level then translated to the international stage, as he made his debut for Italy just a month before the Euro 2024 tournament. The young defender played a crucial role in Italy’s run to the knockout stages, including a lung-bursting run to set up the team’s late equalizer against Croatia.
Attracting Top Clubs
Now, Calafiori’s performances have caught the eye of several top European clubs, with Chelsea, Juventus, and Arsenal all reportedly interested in the versatile defender. Arsenal, in particular, could be an enticing destination, with Mikel Arteta’s possession-based style of play potentially suiting Calafiori’s strengths.
“If you want to build up the game and have possession, he’s brilliant,” Vogel said, praising Calafiori’s ability to progress the ball and break the opponent’s lines. “He has a very good heading game in defence or the offensive, he was very dangerous in front of goal from set pieces.”
While breaking into Arsenal’s established defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes may prove challenging, Calafiori’s adaptability could see him fill various roles within the Gunners’ backline, including the left-back position. Vogel believes the young Italian’s intelligence and willingness to learn make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s Guardiola-inspired system.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal and other top European clubs will be closely monitoring Calafiori’s situation, eager to secure the services of a versatile defender with immense potential. The journey from left-back to centre-back has been a revelatory one for the Italian, and the next chapter of his career could see him take the Premier League by storm.
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