Riccardo Calafiori’s Rise as Arsenal’s Preferred Left-Back
Riccardo Calafiori has seamlessly emerged as Arsenal’s primary left-back, leaving Myles Lewis-Skelly feeling sidelined. Despite facing criticism after a blunder against Newcastle, the Italian has started all six Premier League matches this season—surpassing the total league games he played last year. At this rate, Calafiori seems set to lock down the left-back spot, challenging the manager, Mikel Arteta, to find room for anyone else in that position. Meanwhile, poor Lewis-Skelly has only seen 78 minutes of action in the Premier League.
Last season, Lewis-Skelly averaged 60 minutes per match across 15 starts, but his involvement has dwindled this term. He has not stepped onto the pitch in Arsenal’s three most significant tests: their away games at Anfield and San Mamés, as well as their home clash against Manchester City. This sends a clear message: when the stakes are high, Arteta favors the physicality and aerial ability that Calafiori provides.
Arsenal’s Aerial Dominance
Arsenal have established themselves as one of Europe’s most formidable teams when it comes to dead-ball situations. The squad has netted over 30 set-piece goals in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns—an impressive tally they are already matching after just six games this season. If Calafiori’s headed assists increase any further, it might require a ladder at the corner flag!
This season, their set-piece scorers include:
- Riccardo Calafiori – headed winner against Manchester United (August 17, 2025)
- Jurrien Timber – two goals against Leeds United (August 23, 2025)
- Martín Zubimendi – goal against Nottingham Forest (September 13, 2025)
- Mikel Merino – scored against Newcastle United (September 28, 2025)
- Gabriel – 96th-minute heroics against Newcastle (September 28, 2025)
For a squad averaging just 6 feet in height, this is particularly remarkable. Only Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard are shorter than Lewis-Skelly’s 5 feet 8 inches frame.
Expert Insights on Player Performance
Football pundit Rio Ferdinand has openly questioned Lewis-Skelly’s current prospects. He asked, “What has Lewis-Skelly done to deserve a start?” When co-host Steve Howson speculated that perhaps Calafiori is simply better in the air, remarking, “and they’re Stoke FC?” Ferdinand responded affirmatively, emphasizing that Calafiori presents a bigger threat in the box and offers more solidity in defense.
A closer look at the statistics reveals why Arteta favors Calafiori. He has already scored a set-piece goal this season and wins just over half of his aerial duels, boasting a success rate that puts him ahead of Lewis-Skelly. While Lewis-Skelly performed similarly last year, he averaged fewer than one contested aerial duel per 90 minutes. In a system that values high pressing and dead-ball dominance, Calafiori checks more boxes.
The Future for Lewis-Skelly
It is essential to highlight that Lewis-Skelly is not lacking in talent. His close control and progressive passing are exceptional, and many fans would love to see him utilized in a more advanced position.
For now, Arteta faces a twofold challenge: keeping both players engaged and figuring out how to harness their very different strengths simultaneously. It will require more than just a referee’s whistle to balance these promising talents!