Riccardo Calafiori’s first two seasons at Arsenal have been frustrating at times.
The Italian arrived in north London with huge expectations after starring for both Bologna and Italy, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum.
Even so, whenever he has played, it has been obvious why Arsenal were willing to spend around £42 million to sign Calafiori.
Now, Patrick Vieira has suggested Arsenal supporters still have not seen the best version of him yet.
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Patrick Vieira says Riccardo Calafiori has even more to offer Arsenal
Arsenal have been blessed with several outstanding defensive players, but Riccardo Calafiori arguably remains the most unique profile in the squad.
The Italian is naturally aggressive defensively, but what really separates him is his quality in possession and ability to influence games higher up the pitch.
When fully fit, he gives Arsenal a completely different dynamic because of his unpredictability.
However, injuries have stopped him from building a proper rhythm throughout the campaign, and that has made it difficult for supporters to see his full level consistently.
Vieira believes there is still much more to come from the defender.
Speaking recently, the Arsenal legend said on La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I don’t think we have, again, seen Calafiori at his full potential.
“I think he has had injuries this year, and this has slowed his progress a bit, but the games he has played this year have shown truly important qualities.
“I think that, especially on this left flank, he offers more options than the other players because he is better with the ball and has this left foot quality that helps the team be even more dangerous in the final 20 minutes.
“With his foot quality, he can provide assists and even score goals. I think he has even more that he can bring to the Arsenal team.”
Honestly, that should massively excite Arsenal supporters.
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One of the most dangerous things about Arsenal right now is that several of their top players still have another level they can reach.
Calafiori definitely feels like one of them.
Even during an injury-hit campaign, the Italian has already shown flashes of brilliance with his passing, movement and ability to break lines from deep positions.
There are not many defenders in world football who combine physicality and technical quality the way he does.
If Mikel Arteta can finally keep him fit consistently next season, Calafiori genuinely has the potential to become one of the best left-sided defenders in Europe.
And if Vieira is right, Arsenal supporters may not have seen anything close to his true level yet.
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