Mikel Arteta Praises Riccardo Calafiori’s ‘Special Presence’ After United Win

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·18 août 2025

Mikel Arteta Praises Riccardo Calafiori’s ‘Special Presence’ After United Win

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Arsenal’s match winner against Manchester United following the season opener, describing the player as having a special presence.

The Gunners began their Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya were hugely impactful in the game. Raya earned the Player of the Match award with a string of crucial saves, while Calafiori scored the decisive first-half goal.

Vidéos OneFootball

After a summer of heavy spending, Arteta handed competitive debuts to Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arteta On Calafiori’s Aura

Speaking after the game, Arteta was quizzed on the Italian’s performance and heaped praise on the 23-year-old. He said, via Arsenal Media: “He has the capacity to change the energy. He comes in this room and he changes the energy in the room, he changes the energy in the team. He has an aura, he has a presence that is special.

“And then he’s a player that is very unpredictable for the opponent because he can occupy very different spaces, he can do things in and around your box, in the middle, in the opposition box, that is very difficult to predict. So, very happy with him.”

Riccardo Calafiori (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Calafiori’s Importance Going Forward

The Italian defender recently returned from an injury sustained during the pre-season tour of Asia, with his performance against Athletic Club already sparking debate over who should start the season at left-back. His strong display against United has only reinforced his value.

There has never been much doubt over Calafiori’s quality since arriving at the Emirates, but questions linger over his ability to stay fit. Arsenal lacked a profile like his at times last season, with his positional awareness and ability to join attacks giving Arteta a unique option.

The onus will now be on the 23-year-old to remain available for long stretches of the campaign. If he can stay fit, there is every chance supporters will see the best version of the Italian to date.

What did you think of the game? Who stood out for you?

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…