Ricardo Calafiori has been nothing short of sensational for Arsenal this season.For a player who looked to have slipped down the pecking order, what a comeback he’s staged.Signed in the summer of 2024 for £42 million following a standout campaign with Bologna and eye-catching displays for Italy at the European Championships, expectations were sky-high.Initially seen as the answer to Arsenal’s left-back conundrum, Calafiori didn’t immediately live up to the billing. Injury after injury kept him sidelined for much of the 2024-25 season, spending more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.To some, he looked like another expensive flop. The breakout form of Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back only fuelled those doubts. Suddenly, questions swirled: why had Arsenal bothered with Calafiori at all?Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and after ten games, the Italian has emphatically justified the club’s investment. Arteta has made a bold call, installing him as first-choice left-back despite Lewis-Skelly’s strong claims, and Calafiori has repaid that faith in full.A free role, a tactical shiftThanks to his technical brilliance, Calafiori has earned a free role in Arteta’s system. He’s become the Spaniard’s secret weapon, roaming into central areas, driving through the middle, threading line-breaking passes, and, as seen when the Gunners beat West Ham 2-0, popping up at right central midfield to unleash screamers from the edge of the box.This tactical freedom injects chaos into opposition setups, his greatest strength. It’s proving vital in dismantling low blocks and even mid blocks.Calafiori’s form has been so compelling that Danny Murphy believes Lewis-Skelly may struggle for minutes. Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “Lewis-Skelly, who was arguably one of the best left-backs in the league last year, can’t get a kick, because Calafiori is playing like a man possessed.”Riccardo Calafiori (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Fitness the final pieceNow injury-free, Calafiori looks primed to be a key figure in Arsenal’s title charge. He reads the game superbly, always appearing where he’s needed, whether as an extra man in a midfield pivot, an overlapping full-back, a right-sided eight, or even a roaming ten.Arteta has released the handbrake, giving him the freedom to express himself, and that tactical switch could well define Arsenal’s season.What do you think, Gooners, has Calafiori done enough to make the left-back spot his own this season?Let us know your thoughts in the comments.Daniel O__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo 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…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal fans told: Arteta’s £42m signing is playing “like a man possessed”9 October 2025, 14:00Arsenal move to secure Ødegaard’s future as Bayern and PSG circle9 October 2025, 12:45Arteta’s Arsenal make history with best defensive start in 138 years9 October 2025, 11:30The post Arsenal fans told: Arteta’s £42m signing is playing “like a man possessed” appeared first on Just Arsenal News.