Arsenal picked up a deserved 3-1 victory over Southampton at the Emirates.
The Gunners dominated the Saints from start to finish, but the first half was a frustrating one. They just couldn’t break the deadlock despite all the possession, and the visitors went in happy at the break.
Things got worse in the second half as Arsenal started sloppily. Cameron Archer scored for Southampton, but that woke the hosts up.
Goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka helped the Gunners win the game, but there were a few others who thoroughly impressed on Saturday afternoon.
One of them is Riccardo Calafiori.
Riccardo Calafiori gets compared to Paolo Maldini during Arsenal vs Southampton
Calafiori started at left-back again for Arsenal against Southampton.
The Italian has made that position his own in recent weeks, and he has been producing some incredible performances there.
On Saturday afternoon against Southampton, Calafiori was fantastic again. He was outstanding on the ball and was really solid without it.
Arsenal fans at the Emirates were blown away by his ability on more than one occasion against the Saints, and it looks like people in the commentary box were impressed too.
In the 13th minute of the game, Calafiori plucked a long ball from Southampton out of the air, got himself out of trouble with his quick feet and did it again just a few seconds later.
Matt Upson, who was on commentary for Premier League Productions, said: “There are shades of, I was going to say, Maldini in him a little bit. I know that’s a big one.”
Bill Leslie replied: “He has got that elegance.”
Upson added: “He has got the hair as well.”
Later, in the 38th minute of the game, Leslie said: “You mentioned the similarities with Paolo Maldini, that composure on the ball is certainly one of those that reminds you of the legendary Italian captain.
“Versatility of position as well.”
Calafiori’s stats vs Southampton are very impressive
Calafiori is slowly becoming a fan favourite at Arsenal.
It’s not just his ability that has impressed the Emirates faithful but also the aura with which he plays. He has been exceptional so far and the numbers back it up.
Against Southampton, Calafiori had 65 touches of the ball and completed 36 of his 44 attempted passes. He was successful with every single one of his dribbles as well.
To add to that, the Italian made three interceptions, two tackles and won eight of his 11 attempted duels. That is an amazing return. (Sofascore)
The Maldini comparison may just be a bit too much, but Arsenal have got a sensational player on their hands. He will get even better in the coming years.
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