Forget William Saliba, Antonio Rudiger has seen another defender at Arsenal with a ‘great future’

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Arsenal are currently regrouping in the international break ahead of what could prove to be a frantic end to their season domestically and in Europe.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to secure second place in the Premier League as early as possible so that the main focus can be on their mouth-watering Champions League quarter final with Real Madrid.

Currently, Arsenal players are in action across the globe with some Gunners stars even set to face off against each other such is the case with Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino in the UEFA Nations League.

Ben White is among some Arsenal players not selected for international duty but even during this break, it seems the upcoming European tie is at the forefront of the minds of both sets of players.

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Antonio Rudiger believes Arsenal defender has a ‘great future’

Antonio Rudiger is expected to line up for Real Madrid in that quarter final tie and at a press conference with Germany ahead of their Nations League clash with Italy, the defender has been speaking about Riccardo Calafiori.

The German spent some time with Calafiori whilst playing in Italy and was full of praise for the Arsenal defender in how he returned from a serious injury during his time at Roma.

Rudiger stated: “Calafiori, I know him from the time he was at Roma in the Primavera and he had a big injury ACL and then he made a great comeback and he’s now at Arsenal.

Calafiori has settled well at Arsenal alongside the established partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes and Rudiger believes he has a ‘great future’ ahead of him.

Rudiger explained: “First step away from Italy, he also has a great future but I think right now for me, the man, the defender in Italy is Bastoni definitely.”

Riccardo Calafiori still has a way to go to eclipse Saliba

Calafiori wants to become a midfielder at Arsenal but has more than impressed in his roles at left back and centre back this season.

However, in his debut campaign there have been occasions where he has been found wanting defensively and statistics show the Italian still has a lot to improve on to be compared with the likes of Saliba.

Saliba is clear in a number of key defensive metrics this season however, the Italian is still adapting to English football and has already proven his worth and versatility to the Gunners.

Calafiori will be hoping for a strong end to the season and then to really kick on in the next campaign as he faces a fascinating battle with Myles Lewis-Skelly for the left back position.