Riccardo Calafiori's positional change was a key step in his career as the former manager gives his verdict on the Arsenal move
Mikel Arteta's hopes of dethroning Manchester City's Premier League title could rest on his summer squad additions.
The Spaniard has done everything possible to turn the situation around. Arsenal legitimate title contenders, but overtaking City in the title race remains elusive.
The key to Arteta's third attempt to dethrone his former mentor Pep Guardiola He could be the addition of one of Italy's few shining stars in a somewhat disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori has received widespread praise for his performances in Germany after helping to lead the Serie A underdogs to a place in next season's Champions League.
Considered one of the best-performing centre-backs at Euro 2024, Calafiori had only dominated the position for 15 months before his exploits in Germany.
The defender, who John Stones says is the player he most resembles in his game, came through the ranks at Roma before signing for Swiss giants FC Basel. It was there that Calafiori's football career changed forever.
The then left-back held talks with Basel interim coach Heiko Vogel in March 2023, who advised him to take on a central role.
“Ricky, do you want to maximize your career?” Vogel asked.
Calafiori replied: “What do you mean, coach?”
“I think you're playing the wrong position.”
Vogel admits the transition was easy for the Italian, who quickly showed all the attributes needed to be a top-class central defender.
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“I felt he lacked the speed as a full-back to be at the top level. Playing as a centre-back, he had more than enough,” Vogel told Sky Sports.
“He didn't think twice: we're going to work together. I put him from full-back to centre and he did well.”
His performances in Switzerland earned him a return to Serie A with Bologna last summer, and now-former manager Thiago Motta continues to use Calafiori in central defence.
Bologna's superb campaign was exemplified by Calafiori, who boasted club-best statistics for most interceptions, aerial duels won and, incredibly, was the defender with the most assists in Europe's top five leagues.
It's easy to see why Arsenal are interested in the Italian, but the north London side are likely to face competition from Chelsea and Juventus for his signature.
For now, the Gunners appear to be leading the race and a formal approach is expected in the coming days.
And a transfer to Arsenal would be a good option for Calafiori, with Arteta's men playing a brand of football that suits the Italian.
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“I like Arteta's style, it's all about possession. Ricky likes possession,” Vogel added.
“If you want to build up the play and have possession, he's brilliant. If you followed the Euros, his forays into midfield would break through the opposition's lines.
“He has a very good header both in defence and attack, he was very dangerous in front of goal in set pieces.”
“He has it all,” Vogel continued. “That shows he's very smart.”
“His game intelligence is very high, he can adapt to different systems, positions and coaches. He has everything to reach the highest level.”
“On the one hand, he has the possession game and he has everything, but a full-back and a centre-back must also be good defenders. He is aggressive, good in defensive duels and in one-on-one situations.
“He's still improving, he's a young lad. He's had Thiago Motta and next season if he's… Mikel Arteta“It would be good for his career.”
