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Why Gattuso believes Riccardo Calafiori has the qualities to operate in Arsenal’s midfield

Originally posted on HITC | By Shamanth Jayaram | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 11:56 AM ET

Riccardo Calafiori has already shown off his versatility at Arsenal.

The Italy international was primarily brought in to play as a left-back, but he has filled in as a centre-half as well in the famous red and white.

Fans have even backed him to take up an attacking role, given how often he drives through the centre of the pitch. Now, his national team boss thinks there’s yet another spot where he could make an impact.

Riccardo Calafiori tipped to play as a midfielder by Gennaro Gattuso

There aren’t many better people than Gennaro Gattuso to get an opinion on the midfield role. During his playing days, he not only forged an excellent career for himself but also played alongside some of the world’s best midfielders, including Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Kaka.

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Now managing Italy, where Riccardo Calafiori plays under him, he’s in a good spot to assess how players fit different roles. Calafiori has mainly been used as a centre-back for the national side so far.

But even though the Arsenal defender hasn’t yet played in that role for Italy under Gattuso’s management, his boss isn’t ruling out the possibility of using him there in future.

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He said in a press conference via Football Italia: “He’s not just a left-back. He plays in more than one role. He recognises the spaces and knows how to move. He’s a smart player; he can play anywhere. “Left-back, centre-back or central midfielder. He can do anything.”

Arsenal have three versatile left-backs on the books

Calafiori is always enjoyable to watch because he can play in multiple positions. The Italian defender is currently Arsenal’s first-choice left-back, and the two players below him in the pecking order are also very versatile.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is naturally a midfielder and can play either as a number six or in a box-to-box role. Piero Hincapie, who joined over the summer, has played at both left-back and centre-half for club and country.

It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta prefers adaptable players. With Calafiori, Hincapie, and Lewis-Skelly, he has three strong options on the left side of the pitch.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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