Martin Keown says he thinks one Arsenal player is actually being used in the wrong position by Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have assembled a talented squad over the last few years, full of versatile players who can operate in multiple different roles.
Andrea Berta spent £250 million in the summer on eight players, with a key focus in this recruitment drive being to acquire tactically flexible individuals.
The likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapie can all play in different positions, joining what is already an incredibly malleable squad.
Martin Keown says Riccardo Calafiori is more of a centre-back than a left-back
Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori for £34 million last summer.
The Italian arrived having predominantly operated on the left-hand side of a back three, and many wondered if he’d be used as a centre-back at the Emirates.
However, it quickly became apparent that whilst he could provide cover for Gabriel Magalhaes, his primary role would be at left-back.
Calafiori has since developed into an excellent full-back, who roams into dangerous positions upfield, although Arsenal legend Martin Keown still believes he’s naturally more of a central defender.
“He’s a strong player, technically gifted,” Keown said on talkSPORT.
“I see him more as a central defender. It’s interesting that all of the full-backs, except for [Jurrien] Timber, who has been immense, the rest of them can all fill in at central defence.
“Ben White hasn’t played centre-half, and he came in as a central defender.”
Riccardo Calafiori’s best attributes would be restricted at centre-back
Calafiori is a maverick.
One of his best attributes is his ability to pop up in bizarre positions all over the pitch, often in dangerous areas in and around the box.
He is often the extra man in Arsenal’s attack, and this has been incredibly valuable for Arteta’s team thus far this season.
Using him as a centre-back would merely limit his ability to roam forward, as he’d naturally have to be significantly more disciplined. Thus, you want Calafiori playing at left-back as much as possible.
Arsenal signed Hincapie, who was likely acquired partially to enable Calafiori to focus fully on being a full-back.
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