Topics: Arsenal, Football, Manchester City, Ruben Dias, Premier League, Transfer News
Arsenal have signed a new defender in Riccardo Calafiori, but how does he compare to Manchester City star Ruben Dias?
On Monday Arsenal announced the signing of Italian defender Calafiori from Bologna on a five-year contract for a fee of up to £42 million including add-ons.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with the Serie A side, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances as Bologna finishing fifth to secure Champions League football.
Though Calafiori was primarily deployed at centre-back by Bologna manager Thiago Motta - now at Juventus - last term, he can also play at left-back and even on the left wing.
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Juventus and Chelsea were among the other clubs hoping to sign the Italian, but the player was clear that he only wanted to join Arsenal.
The Premier League is stacked with top quality central defenders, so how does Califiori match up against one of the best?
Ruben Dias has been just that ever since he joined Man City in September 2020.
The Portugal international has won the Premier League in each of his four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, and played a key role in City winning the Champions League for the first time ever.
When it comes to passing metrics, Dias came out on top during the 2023-24 season. The 27-year-old completed 94.1 per cent of his attempted passes and made 25.2 forward passes per 90 minutes.
By comparison, Calafiori tallied 89.9 per cent and 21 respectively.
It's important to remember that Dias plays for arguably the most possession-focussed side in the world, so it's no surprise that he comes out on top in terms of ball retention and passing.
When it comes to classic defensive metrics, Califiori came out on top.
The Italian won more of his aerial duels (71.43 per cent vs 52.22 per cent), despite being just one centimetre taller than Dias.
Per 90 minutes Calafiori won more ground duels (3.4 vs 2), made more ball recoveries (7.5 vs 3.9) and made more interceptions (2 vs 1.1).
However, given how much of the ball City have, it's not surprising that Dias didn't have to make as many defensive interventions as Calafiori.
Stats provided by Squawka.
