Is the gallivanting Bologna defender the right choice for Arsenal's left? In this enormous scouting report, we pore through the tape and numbers to study his quality, profile, and projection
"... leaving behind one of the tournament’s inedible moments" - Did you perhaps mean indelible? Just like this BBQ, that run was delicious <3
Quick question: Something I've seem to recall when Tomiyasu is playing is that he can get into extremely advanced roles (most memorably against Man City to help Martinelli score), and Arteta/Jover have managed to get him isolated 1v1 in the opponent box (but unfortunately failed to capitalise). Given Calafiori's higher aerial duel%, do you expect to see more chances being generated this way? or perhaps R-L crosses from Saka/Odegaard with Calafiori + Rice + Havertz attacking the far post / six-yard box?
"you could feasibly mid-block with 4 CBs and a double-pivot of Rice and Calafiori" - This is terrifying and I love it xD.
Bloody hell, this is an excellent piece. Thanks for sharing what looks like hours of research!
Many thanks to your kid for their sacrifices in bringing this wonderful piece together.
As ever, thank you for the time you put in and the meticulous attention to detail, it's much appreciated.
Never clicked quicker on an edus BBQ
Great timing
Great breakdown as always Billy but this is exceptional work! Thank you!
Billy you never miss. Ever.
This might have topped it for me. Best piece you have ever written.
👊
One of the best Arsenal writers. LOVE these deep dives and the detail/thoroughness you put into them.
Best piece on Ricky I've read 👍❤️
"... leaving behind one of the tournament’s inedible moments" - Did you perhaps mean indelible? Just like this BBQ, that run was delicious <3
Quick question: Something I've seem to recall when Tomiyasu is playing is that he can get into extremely advanced roles (most memorably against Man City to help Martinelli score), and Arteta/Jover have managed to get him isolated 1v1 in the opponent box (but unfortunately failed to capitalise). Given Calafiori's higher aerial duel%, do you expect to see more chances being generated this way? or perhaps R-L crosses from Saka/Odegaard with Calafiori + Rice + Havertz attacking the far post / six-yard box?
"you could feasibly mid-block with 4 CBs and a double-pivot of Rice and Calafiori" - This is terrifying and I love it xD.
Love this sooo much! Everytime I see your “out of context” tweets in an article, I end up admiring how it all falls into place! Great job
Just back here to appreciate this again.
“When Calafiori inverts, you get a little more of a feeling of “ah, this may be an Actual Midfielder.” … so true Billy, so true.
Brilliant read. Well presented. Thank you.
From what I've just read, he sounds like a Vermaelen type of player
Epic research and article, I'm literally salivating at the prospect of our left hand side for the coming season.
Big thanks Billy
This is what I'm here for! 5-star columns, 5-star word counts!
Wow, this is an incredible piece of analysis. For a player I have not seen much of yet it is much appreciated, thank you.