Riccardo Calafiori (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In-form Arsenal defender gets Premier League nomination

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | By Admin Martin | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 5:00 AM ET

Riccardo Calafiori has made an impressive start to the season and his performances have now been recognised with a nomination for the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August. The Italian defender has quickly established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, delivering consistency and composure in a role that carries significant responsibility.

His emergence in this position has created a challenge for younger players such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, who now faces limited opportunities in the starting eleven. With Arsenal boasting an abundance of defensive talent, competition for places is fierce, and Calafiori will need to maintain his current level in order to hold on to his spot. Early signs suggest that he is more than capable of doing so, as his blend of defensive discipline and attacking support has strengthened the Gunners’ balance on the pitch.

Calafiori’s Nomination

The defender’s fine start has not gone unnoticed. According to Arsenal Media, Calafiori has been shortlisted for the prestigious Player of the Month award, joining a strong line-up of nominees that includes Hugo Ekitike, Jack Grealish and Dominic Szoboszlai. Being named alongside such accomplished players highlights the esteem in which his early-season form is held.

While winning the award will be a considerable challenge, especially given the calibre of the competition, the decision ultimately rests with the fans, whose votes will determine the outcome. Arsenal supporters will therefore have the opportunity to show their appreciation for Calafiori’s impact by backing him in the public vote.

Maintaining Form for the Season Ahead

Individual accolades are always a valuable recognition of effort, but for both Calafiori and Arsenal, the priority remains sustained performance across the season. Should he stay fit and continue to deliver at his current standard, it is likely that Lewis-Skelly and other young defenders will be rotated into cup competitions rather than league fixtures. This speaks to the depth of talent available at the Emirates and the level of trust placed in Calafiori to anchor the left side of the defence.

Regardless of whether he claims the Player of the Month award, Calafiori’s displays have already marked him out as one of the league’s standout defenders. For Arsenal, his form provides both reassurance and optimism as they look to compete at the highest level throughout the campaign.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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