Arsenal can still take a lot of positives from their season so far despite recent disappointments in the race for the Premier League title.
The emergence of Hale End duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will have a positive impact on Arsenal for years to come and they have dealt with adversity with such maturity at times this season.
Mikel Arteta has learned a lot about his team’s mentality and has built a central defensive partnership in Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba that is the envy of Europe.
Another huge positive for the club is how Riccardo Calafiori has settled into life at the Emirates Stadium and the early signs suggest the young Italian defender is only going to get better at the club.
Riccardo Calafiori drops hint on new Arsenal role under Mikel Arteta
Calafiori joined the Gunners from Bologna last summer and has made a real impact at the club in his first season despite some injury issues.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Calafiori has been discussing his new life in London and how his life his changed at the club.
Calafiori explained: “I’ve changed a lot, if I think back to how I was last year, I would say I’m a completely different person now. For example now I’m living alone, whereas last year I was living with my ex-girlfriend, so everything is different at home.
“I’ve started playing the guitar, I’ve got some new hobbies – I’ve changed a lot. I like to learn new things, if I see something that looks difficult, I want to learn it, that’s why I started the guitar.”
The Italian defender then went on to discuss how he has changed as a player and dropped a big hint that he may be about to experience another new role for Arsenal.
Calafiori stated: “my best season was last year when I was at centre-back. So I’ve changed a lot, but I like the fact I can play in both positions, and maybe even try another one – I don’t know.”
Calafiori could be used as a striker in the Champions League against PSV
Calafiori ‘baffled’ fans with his position in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest and it seems that Arteta may be considering a different role for the Italian once again.
He hit the post in that match with a great effort on his right foot and Calafiori looked dangerous in the central striker area throughout the first half.
With the Gunners desperate to find the back of the net against PSV in their upcoming Champions League clash, Calafiori could be the answer and has already scored twice this season with excellent finishes.
Mikel Merino has tried to play as striker in the last two matches but has struggled, Calafiori could be a little more dynamic in the role and has shown he certainly knows where the goal is this season.
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