Pundit says Riccardo Calafiori has done something at Arsenal that’s really shocked him, ‘I didn’t expect it’

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Riccardo Calafiori was one of the only Arsenal players to walk away from Old Trafford having enhanced their reputation.

Calafiori scored the only goal of the game and was Arsenal’s best player on the day by a country mile as the Italian produced a typically passionate display.

After an injury-ravaged debut campaign in English football, the defender was given the nod at left back over Myles Lewis-Skelly and didn’t let Mikel Arteta down.

The 23-year-old will now be hoping to push on and cement a regular spot in the Arsenal side. Pundit Adrian Clarke has been shocked by something the Italian international has done.

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Adrian Clarke thinks Riccardo Calafiori is more ‘entertaining’ than he expected

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Gunners star Clarke has expressed his surprise over Calafiori’s playing style since his arrival in North London.

Arsenal have been widely criticised for being too formulaic and predictable with their build up play and the Italian defender has been praised for his ‘entertaining’ nature.

Clarke stated: “He is fun to watch, he is fun to watch and I didn’t expect it because I thought we were signing a centre-half that was a really good centre-half that could play at left back.

“But he’s so much more entertaining than I expected. I love him.”

Micah Richards was concerned over Arsenal’s left-hand side, however, that is more towards the inability of their left wingers to have an impact on the game.

Arsenal fans were impressed with Calafiori during pre-season and now the defender has the chance to become a key player for Arteta in the club’s title quest.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will still be a key player for Arsenal this season

Clarke called for Calafiori to start over Lewis-Skelly for the clash at Old Trafford and it proved to be the right call.

However, Lewis-Skelly should not be too down-hearted about the move and the 18-year-old will still get plenty of opportunities to start games this season.

Lewis-Skelly proved last season that one v one he was just as good as fellow full back Jurrien Timber, whereas Calafiori’s agility has been questioned at times last campaign.

The Hale End product could even get his first chance to impress from the off against Leeds United as the Gunners will no doubt have to break down a stubborn defence.