Arsenal’s Left-Back Battle: Is Calafiori Now the Undisputed Starter?

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·18 septembre 2025

Arsenal’s Left-Back Battle: Is Calafiori Now the Undisputed Starter?

Ahead of this season, I personally expected Myles Lewis-Skelly to start the campaign as the first choice left-back. Five games into the season however and the England international is yet to start a single game for Arsenal. The brilliance of Riccardo Calafiori has kept him out of the squad so far, with the Italian barely giving the youngster a sniff. Calafiori has been very consistent in the early stages of the campaign, impressing in virtually every game we have played so far. His lone goal earned Arsenal the maximum points against Man United, while he grabbed a couple of assists in matchday two. Leaning away from the raw stats, he held his own against Mohammed Salah at Anfield while putting in solid shifts against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Club more recently. All things considered, it has been a very solid start to the campaign, but even with that said, has he done enough to be considered our first choice left-back?

Calafiori’s Arrival and Injury Concerns

When the then 22-year-old Riccardo Calafiori was bought in the summer of 2024, many expected the versatile defender to make the left fullback role his own. His physical attributes along with attacking capabilities made him a perfect fit for that position, as illustrated by his performances for Bologna previously. Despite starting positively, the former Bologna man could only manage 29 appearances in his debut season for the club. It was an injury ravaged campaign as he picked up six issues during that period. His injury record opened up the opportunity for Myles Lewis-Skelly to feature prominently and the youngster has not looked back since. After the Italian picked up an injury in pre-season, it seemed his niggling concerns were not behind him and that is why I personally fancied Myles Lewis-Skelly to start the campaign.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Calafiori Takes Control

After featuring in seven consecutive games, including the international fixtures, and staying fit however, it is safe to say that he has made the left-back position his own. Unlike Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori is a better fit in that position due to his flexibility. His pace and attacking acumen makes him a threat going forward. In the Premier League, the defender has amassed a league high 10 touches in the opposition’s box, while also topping the XG rankings among defenders, 1.43. He has also been equally impressive in defense and it is an area he has improved upon from last season. His flexibility also allows other players around him to shine, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze all benefit from having a player of his profile at left-back.

Though I think his position is safe, barring any injury, Arsenal’s deep squad means there is not a guaranteed starter in every position. Instead of Myles Lewis-Skelly however, Piero Hincapié will pose the biggest threat to Calafiori in my opinion. They both have similar profiles, while Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely be eased into a midfield position this season, in my opinion.

After all is said and done, the big winners will be Arsenal. The fierce competition will only do well to serve the club’s collective effort this campaign and fans will hope it leads to silverware.

Your thoughts?

Benjamin Kenneth

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