What Riccardo Calafiori just said about Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal have one of the best managers in the world

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Riccardo Calafiori has endured a difficult debut campaign at Arsenal.

The Italian has started just eight Premier League matches all season since arriving from Bologna in the summer, due to a succession of injury setbacks.

Arsenal fans have been frustrated with Calafiori and his fitness issues, although Saturday afternoon’s clash with Wolves could mark a turning point for the defender.

Calafiori scored the winner in the Gunners’ narrow victory over the West Midlands outfit, in a game marred by two controversial red cards.

Hoping to kick on from here, the left-back shed some light on Mikel Arteta and the Spaniard’s influence at Arsenal after the game.

Riccardo Calafiori hails ‘important’ Mikel Arteta

Arteta reportedly ignored concerns over Calafiori’s injury record when opting to sign him in the summer, such was his confidence in the player.

While the former Bologna man hasn’t yet justified his £42 million price tag, he has produced two pivotal moments for the Gunners, scoring vital goals against Manchester City and Wolves.

Calafiori was eager to express his appreciation of Arteta’s trust in him after the clash with the Old Gold on Saturday.

Speaking on TNT Sports Mexico, the Euro 2024 star said: “He is the most important man here at Arsenal. He loves me a lot, and I also want to wear this shirt.

“I have to learn a lot of things if I want to continue here.

“I feel very happy, very happy to help the team and win a very difficult game. It was very difficult because we had one man less, but we won in the end.

“I’m very happy for the team.”

With the game poised at 0-0 at Molineux, Calafiori arrived late in the box to meet a sweet half-volley that flew beyond Jose Sa in the Wolves goal.

The strike was ultimately the decisive moment in the feisty encounter and meant that Arsenal maintained their six-point gap to league leaders Liverpool.

Arteta praised Calafiori for the goal after the game, highlighting that the player has ‘magic moments’ in him.

“Like the goal against Man City!” the tactician said.

“Riccy can produce these magic moments that he did today, again, it really helped the team so really glad that whoever comes in on the pitch, he has the experience to make things happen.”

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Riccardo Calafiori comments show Mikel Arteta’s worth

Despite some difficult results and a significant points deficit with Liverpool developing, Arteta has retained the faith of his players.

Calafiori’s comments point to total devotion to the manager from the Arsenal squad.

Given the lack of silverware and the hostile outside noise, the fact that Arteta has unwavering support from his players proves that he’s one of the best in the game.

He’s been able to keep hold of the dressing room and keep his ensemble believing in the instructions and messages he’s feeding them.

While there is no guarantee that Arsenal will win major trophies under Arteta’s stewardship, the North London club certainly have the right man in the dugout who they should cherish and look to secure for the long term.