International manager says Arsenal have a versatile defender who can actually win games on his own

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Arsenal need their match-winners to step up and deliver.

The Gunners have been overly reliant on Bukayo Saka for many years now, and the Englishman has delivered consistently. He has rarely ever had a bad game in the famous red and white.

However, Saka suffered a serious hamstring injury in December, and the Arsenal number seven has been out of action since. That has been a huge blow.

Mikel Arteta needs a game-changer to step up, and one Arsenal player’s international manager has made an interesting claim about him.

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti delivers verdict on Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last summer.

The Italy international had a stunning 2023/24 season in the Serie A. He mostly played as a centre-back then, and his performances earned him a call-up to the Italy national side at Euro 2024.

Calafiori impressed there as well, and Arsenal were convinced. Arteta sanctioned the move to sign him, and the defender has been a Gunner since.

Injuries have troubled the Italian this season, and he has even lost his place to Myles Lewis-Skelly. But, his international boss Spalletti thinks Calafiori has what it takes to become an absolute game-changer.

The Italy manager was asked whether his side lacks a top-class player who can win games on his own.

Spalletti replied, as per Football Italia: “These talents, these great players, can provide a solution in a short time. It’s true. But talent is not just about making a decisive attacking play.

“In my opinion, someone like Calafiori could reach this level. Cambiaso has already shown that he could attract interest from top clubs.”

What Mikel Arteta needs to do to make Calafiori Arsenal’s game changer

Arsenal are struggling at the moment because of injuries, and to make things worse, Lewis-Skelly is suspended for the game against Nottingham Forest.

Calafiori, despite his poor display against West Ham, is expected to start on Wednesday night, and the Italian should be given all the freedom he needs.

The former Bologna man is a lot more effective in attack than he is while defending, and he has already scored two great goals for Arsenal.

Allowing him to push forward as much as he wants – either from left-back or by starting him further forward, could bring the best out of him.

Forest are likely to sit back and frustrate Arsenal. Breaking them down will not be easy, so someone like Calafiori having a shot from distance could be the best way to hurt them.