Mikel Arteta Praises Riccardo Calafiori’s Growth & Previews Brighton Test
Press conference
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke to the press ahead of our Premier League clash against Brighton, with much of the focus on the impressive development of defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian international, who joined from Bologna in the summer of 2024, endured a stop-start first season in North London, making just 19 league appearances due to injury. This campaign, however, has told a different story. Calafiori has already featured in 16 of our 17 Premier League matches in 2025/26, missing only one through suspension—a testament to his fitness and growing importance to the side.
What’s been particularly notable is his adaptability. Traditionally a centre-half, Calafiori has been deployed largely as a full-back since his arrival. But his performance alongside William Saliba in the heart of defence against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup showcased his seamless transition back to a central role.
Arteta was full of praise for the 23-year-old’s versatility:
“What he didn’t do before coming to Arsenal is play as a full-back. We brought him in because we believed he could do both. Riccy’s availability has been really good this season, and against Palace, he played a really good game. He gives us different options, and that’s a huge strength for the squad.”
The manager’s comments highlight a strategic signing paying dividends—a player whose tactical intelligence and physical robustness are allowing Arsenal to remain flexible and resilient across competitions.
On the Horizon: A Tough Brighton Challenge
Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to the Amex Stadium, where Arsenal will face a Brighton side that Arteta holds in high regard.
“It’s a club that I admire a lot,” Arteta said. “What they’ve done over the last 10 years is incredible. They have had different managers, and now Fabian [Hurzeler] has come in and brought some very different ideas as well. They play with a lot of energy, are really committed, and look very, very together. They have a lot of quality, can play in different ways, and have versatile players. It’s going to be a tough match.”
Brighton, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, has continued their reputation for being tactically innovative and difficult to break down. Arsenal will need to be at their disciplined, creative best to secure a positive result on the south coast.
The Bigger Picture
Calafiori’s emergence as a reliable, multi-role defender is a significant subplot in our season. In a squad competing on multiple fronts, such flexibility is invaluable. Meanwhile, fixtures like Brighton away are precisely the tests that define a title-chasing campaign—one that demands consistency, adaptability, and resilience.
