Riccardo Calafiori is an integral part of Arsenal’s defence this season and he’s explained just how the Gunners are so consistent at the back.
The Italian defender is very much the first-choice left-back when fit and continues to excel when he does play.
Of course, Arsenal’s defence is a team effort and speaking to Sports Illustrated, Calafiori has revealed just what the backline do to succeed.
Rodri’s changed his tune. 🤭 What do you make of this comment?
Riccardo Calafiori on how Arsenal’s defenders play so well
Coming from Italy, Calafiori will have had it drilled into him how important defence is.
Now, bringing that experience and thought process to Arsenal, Calafiori has revealed that the Gunners very much take defending as serious as anything else.
“From this season, we kind of made a step up compared to the last one. And it’s not just a sentence or words we speak to the dressing room, it’s a way of living the game,” Calafiori explained.
“You really have to think someone is hurting you when you concede a goal. I think that’s how we feel and that’s why we don’t concede a lot. We really want to defend our house, our goal.
“Even in the warm up, no matter who is starting in the defensive line, we all make a small group and talk about the game. A top game, like a top performance, I think our team is better.”
Arsenal’s defensive record this season has been exemplary.
They have conceded just 22 goals – six less than the nearest best defence in the league. Furthermore, David Raya has the most clean-sheets with 15, four more than Man City’s Donnarumma.
It goes without saying that if Arsenal do win the title then it will have been built firmly on solid defensive foundations.
The old phrase ‘1-0 to The Arsenal’ springs to mind but really, not one fan will care. Defence wins titles and this season, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
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