Opinion: Arsenal Face Big Left-Back Decision Ahead of Manchester United Clash

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·12 août 2025

Opinion: Arsenal Face Big Left-Back Decision Ahead of Manchester United Clash

The new top-flight campaign kicks off this week, with the Gunners having just under a week before facing Manchester United, at Old Trafford, in their season opener. Arsenal endured a fairly disjointed pre-season, with little continuity due to the arrival of new players and injury-related absences.

Against Athletic Club, however, Mikel Arteta fielded a line-up that could feature together for much of the upcoming campaign. The midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice played together for the first time in that encounter, and their inclusion was telling as the Gunners put in an assertive display.

Vidéos OneFootball

The performance of one player caught the eye despite him featuring only in the first half – Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian delivered a really encouraging display, particularly showing his attacking qualities. His performance generated a buzz online, and many fans now believe he should be the first choice at left-back.

Calafiori’s attacking edge

Does he have a chance of starting the campaign as the undisputed first choice? He probably does if Mikel Arteta persists with a double pivot in midfield. Arteta used Zubimendi and Rice at the base, giving Calafiori the freedom to push forward and impact the attacking play.

His unpredictability brought more chaos to the left flank compared to the more conservative Myles Lewis-Skelly, and fans argue that is exactly what is needed. Gabriel Martinelli also benefits from having the marauding Italian alongside him, gaining more support and freedom. A quick comparison of their profiles suggests Calafiori might also be the better option defensively, although Lewis-Skelly is solid in that regard too.

Riccardo Calafiori (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Injury record a concern

Despite his strong performance against Athletic Club and the potential positives he could add to the starting line-up, it is difficult to expect Calafiori to nail down a regular spot just yet. The biggest concern is his injury record.

According to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old picked up six injuries in his debut campaign, missing over 20 games as a direct result. He has also just returned from a setback sustained during the Asia tour. In addition, it will be difficult to displace Lewis-Skelly, especially if Arteta reverts to a single pivot in midfield.

Well, I will leave it there, but what do you think, Gooners – should Riccardo Calafiori start the campaign as first choice? Who should we see in the starting XI on Sunday?

Benjamin Kenneth

__________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…