Fabio Capello suggests new role for Arsenal star after comparing him to Chelsea legend | Football

Italy legend Fabio Capello lavished praise on a slightly embarrassed Riccardo Calafiori after Arsenal’s thrilling Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

In a meeting between first and second, the Gunners swept the German champions aside in a 3-1 victory at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

Following Jurrien Timber’s opener, teenage sensation Lennart Karl equalised for Bayern with the game level at 68 minutes.

Mikel Arteta made changes, bringing on Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli with the former providing the assist for Noni Madueke’s goal a minute after coming off the bench.

Fellow sub Martinelli was also on the scoresheet eight minutes later to set his side on course for victory.

Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2024 in a £42million deal. Injuries and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly limited him to just 16 starts in all competitions last season but the Italy international is now Arteta’s firm first choice at left-back, part of a fearsome Arsenal backline that has conceded just seven goals this season.

Former England boss Capello singled out the defender for special praise following Wednesday’s win during an interview during Sky Italia’s Champions League coverage.

Capello compared Calafiori to Real Madrid and Spain legend Sergio Ramos, also suggesting he could play further forward in a role in front of the back four as Chelsea and France great Marcel Desailly once did so effectively.

‘You’re like a young Sergio Ramos, only left-footed,’ Capello gushed. ‘I’d put you in front of the back four, you’d be like Marcel Desailly, only with more quality on the ball.’

Calafiori rather sheepishly replied: ‘Maybe we should go slow with the comparisons…’

Arsenal’s win over Bayern sends them three points clear at the top of the Champions League table and firmly among the favourites to win the competition this season.

‘There’s something different this year, there’s something different,’ Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said after the win.

‘It’s not the same as before. Before, I used to say that Arsenal can win because I’m a fan. Now I say it without my Arsenal hat on.

‘The way Arsenal look as a team, as a unit, is different. There’s something that’s happening.’

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