Riccardo Calafiori is a product of the AS Roma youth academy and a rare left-footed center-back in modern football who can also play as a left-back. At Arsenal, he primarily plays as a left-back. Today, we will analyze him.
Riccardo Calafiori’s market value is estimated at €45 million according to Transfermarkt(as of March 2025)
Riccardo Calafiori Scouting Report
♦ Player Profile
Nationality : Italy
Date of Birth : 19 May 2002
Height : 188cm
Weight : 86kg
Possible Positions : Left back, center back
Preferred Foot : Left
Youth Clubs :
AS Roma(2011~2020)
Senior Career :
AS Roma(2020~2022)
FC Basel(2022~2023)
Bologna FC 1909(2023~2024)
Arsenal FC (2024~Present)
Riccardo Calafiori – 2024/25 Premier League Stats (As of March 2025)
| Season(League) | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| 2024-25(As of March 2025) | 16 | 2 | 1 | 868 |
Riccardo Calafiori : Strengths, Weaknesses & Playing Style Analysis
♦ Key Strengths :
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Exceptional forward progression
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Solid defensive ability
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Decent physicality and speed
♣ Weakness :
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Injury concerns (He suffered a serious knee injury during his youth, followed by recurring minor injuries.)
♠ Unique Traits & Playstyle :
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A highly versatile defender with incredible forward progression
90-Minute stats comparison of five players in the same position from the same league in the 24/25 season
According to statistical comparisons, what stands out the most is Calafiori’s solid defensive ability, aerial duels, and long passing skills, even as a center-back. He excels in both attack and defense, proving himself to be a highly versatile player.
♦ Conclusion
Born in Rome, Italy, and a product of AS Roma’s academy, Calafiori suffered a severe knee injury in his early years, which put his football career at risk. However, he successfully rehabilitated and returned to the pitch, primarily playing as a left-back while also showcasing his ability as a center-back.
Under Thiago Motta at Bologna, he often played as a left center-back, where he displayed excellent build-up play and forward progression. His performances in this role made him an attractive prospect for top teams that play with a high defensive line.
The most striking aspect of Calafiori’s game is his incredible forward progression. Throughout matches, he frequently moves forward in attacking situations, linking up with teammates and contributing to build-up play. Despite being a defender, he also possesses strong shooting ability, making him a threat inside the box. This allows him to execute dangerous runs and shots, while also initiating counterattacks by using his speed and ball-carrying ability after winning back possession.
Most defenders lack this kind of forward progression. Typically, when defenders recover possession, they have to stop and look for a pass, giving the opposition time to regroup or regain possession. However, with Calafiori’s ability to progress quickly, he can launch counterattacks before opposing defenders have a chance to recover. Additionally, his presence forces defenders to mark him, creating space for his teammates.
Another advantage is his versatility—he can play both center-back and full-back. Standing at 188 cm tall, he possesses good physical attributes, and his speed is also solid, recording a top speed of 32.52 km/h in the 2024/25 Champions League. Furthermore, his stable defensive ability, passing skills, attacking involvement, and shooting make him a well-rounded player with no glaring weaknesses.
Before joining Arsenal, Calafiori was highly sought after by big clubs such as Juventus, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Despite being left-footed, he is also highly proficient with his right foot, showing no limitations due to his weaker foot. In a recent Champions League match between PSV and Arsenal, he scored his debut goal in the 84th minute, making a striker-like run into the box and finishing with his right foot.
His playing style is reminiscent of Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol—both are left-footed center-backs with attacking capabilities. Watching the development of these two players, who are of similar age, will be an exciting point of interest.
However, one concern is his injury history. Due to the serious knee injury he suffered at AS Roma and subsequent minor injuries, he must take precautions to avoid becoming injury-prone in the future.
♦ Summary
Riccardo Calafiori, a promising talent from AS Roma, is now playing as a left-back for Arsenal. He possesses great versatility, strong defensive skills, and exceptional forward progression despite being a defender. His unique style of play makes him stand out, but given his past major injury, he must be careful to avoid becoming injury-prone.
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