Riccardo Calafiori & the Evolution of the Rearguard

For the past week or so, Liverpool have been linked to Bologna’s Italian international defender, Riccardo Calafiori, the standout defender of the ongoing European Championships. Any potential deal represents the targeting of a sensational defensive piece, one which would allow a different type of hybrid to the new system of play. The upcoming 2024/25 formation will be devised and perfected by the new Liverpool head coach, Arnie Slot, who finally arrived last week to undertake one of the biggest jobs in all of world football. The task is monumental, however, with the elite hierarchy in place to assemble what is needed, such links to this phenomenal talent are a huge source of inspiration.

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In the final season of the illustrious former manager, Jürgen Klopp, the fanbase saw a continuation of the Trent Alexander-Arnold hybrid initiative. Whenever the homegrown superstar was in the side, the pattern of play continued with controversy often following, both for club and country. During the summer transfer window of 2023, the former Borussia Dortmund manager, Klopp, and his interim Sporting Director, Jörg Schmadtke, attempted to sign Levi Colwill from Chelsea. Such a move was a clear indication to protect the left-hand side and better enable the advancements of the newly installed vice-captain, TAA. Many issues arose in that summer which pointed to a lack of stability and efficiency, which eventually led to the need to reappoint Michael Edwards. The success in luring the Southampton born executive back to Anfield saw him elevate him into a more prominent CEO position at the club, one that would enable him to orchestrate brilliance in structure and growth. When the potential deal for the Chelsea academy graduate (Colwill) failed, there was no secondary option and the indication is that instead of adopting a back three in possession (as planned with Levi Colwill on the left), the legendary Scotland captain, Andy Robertson, was allowed to continue his marauding ways up and down the flank. Throughout the season and in in equal measure, both Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas also played a fair amount of football at left fullback, with the attacking exploits of both right and left backs too often leaving the defensive partnership overworked. The lack of an elite defensive midfielder only added to the transition woes, something which appears to have created a desire to revisit last season’s target demographic.

How Would Riccardo Calafiori Enhance the Slot System…?

The likes of Willian Pacho, Gonçalo Inácio, Castello Lukeba, and now the 22-year-old, Riccardo Calafiori, have all been linked to the Merseyside giants in the last couple of months. This very particular type of defender is something that is desired to better protect the open defence. In this scenario, the 5-cap Italy International would become the starting left back with Robbo reverting to a backup role. This adjustment would enable the skipper, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Jarell Quansah, and Joe Gomez, to cover as the four starting calibre centre backs. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Connor Bradley would remain as the right back options, thus allowing the attacking instincts of both to be expressed without restriction.

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Why the Italy International…?

During last season where the hybrid endeavour exposed the weaknesses in the system, it showed that the signing of a more physical left-sided defender would allow an actual back three to be utilised and offer better defensive coverage. The 6ft 2inch Bologna man has been described (by Anfield Index‘s Dave Hendrick) as Daniel Agger with pace, which is a tantalizing thought. As someone that adored the exploits of the injury plagued Dane, I would be eager to see the Italian specimen drafted into the team and thereby offer a new dynamic to the side. Though the aggressive ball winning asset would offer greater assurance when in possession, I doubt he would be completely restricted in his role. During the ongoing Euro 2024, his recent exploits for the national team show how he also can affect and influence the team, something which would add yet another dimension to the team. In terms of his potential standing in the squad, I believe that he would rotate perfectly with the former Hull City player, Andy Robertson, whilst offering a similar flexibility to the likes of Nathan Ake at Manchester City. The ball winning and ferocious style of the former Basel man would transfer perfectly into the Premier League, which makes the link very logical.

Additionally, to all those plus points, the former Roma graduate would add more depth and dependability across the backline, something which would allow the reds world-class skipper, VVD, the opportunity to manage his minutes as he ages. The squad was too often mismanaged in the past two seasons, therefore, to avert another injury plagued campaign, far more reliance on data and the physical capabilities of each asset will likely be more enhanced under new leadership.

Is a Deal Likely…?

I trust that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will be able to beat away competition from Juventus and secure the signature of the brilliant footballer, however, much depends on the players willingness to depart his home nation. If that eventuality was indeed the case and if the Anfield paymasters were able to find a way to make this deal happen, it would be a tremendous start to a new era and give better insight into what we can expect next season. Unfortunately for the reds eager support, this deal could only be finalised once Italy is eliminated from the European Championships.

Steven Smith