The numbers behind Calafiori Champions League debut with Arsenal – 100% pass rate | OneFootball

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori made his first appearance in the Champions League as a late substitute for Arsenal in their 0-0 draw with Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium on Thursday night.

Here is how the former Bologna centre-back got on during his first European outing.

Calafiori makes Champions League debut with Arsenal

Calafiori came on as a direct replacement for left-back Jurrien Timber after 73 minutes against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. He impressed with his willingness to get on the ball and carry it forwards through central positions, much like he did during his time in Serie A.

Though it was not the lengthiest of appearances, he still had 14 touches of the ball and finished the game with a 100% pass completion rate.

He won one of his two battles on the ground, but was also dribbled past on one occasion.

Calafiori completed one successful dribble, which earned him praise from pundits in the Italian media.

Fabio Capello and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta both singled the versatile defender out for individual praise after full-time.

“Calafiori has a lot of character and in these games in particular he is able to take certain positions that make it very difficult for the opponent to get a reference point,” The Arsenal coach said.

Capello added that he is “an intelligent player who knows how to move off the ball.”