Materazzi's Arsenal Case: Why Calafiori Should Displace Saliba in Gunners Lineup

Arsenal face a defensive reshuffle after a bruising fortnight that saw them crash out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. The latest blow came at the hands of Championship outfit Southampton, who pulled off a shock 2-1 upset in the cup competition on Saturday to send the Gunners packing.

To compound matters, centre-back Gabriel limped off injured during the Southampton match with a knee problem that Mikel Arteta suggested could prove serious.

The partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba has been one of Europe's most formidable defensive combinations, with Rio Ferdinand recently declaring the French defender destined for greatness. "I think he is going to be the best defender in the world," the Manchester United legend proclaimed. "Saliba will be the best defender in the world when Virgil van Dijk gives up that post. As soon as that happens, it could be in a year, it could be three years. Whenever it's going to be I don't see anyone else taking over."

Yet not everyone shares Ferdinand's conviction. World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has thrown his weight behind Italian compatriot Riccardo Calafiori, the £42m acquisition from Bologna, as the man who should lead Arsenal's defensive line.

"I think Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best Italian defenders right now," Materazzi told Hajper. "He grew very fast when he was at Bologna. Now Arsenal must believe in him. The best way for Arsenal is for Calafiori to be allowed to play his best football."

The Italian icon believes Calafiori's ideal position is centre-back and has a specific suggestion for the Gunners' setup. "For me, Calafiori is best at centre-back. Arsenal should play Calafiori with Gabriel instead of William Saliba. He has a very good left foot."

On Gabriel's own prospects and the broader question of elite defensive recognition, Materazzi mused on the unpredictable nature of individual accolades. "It's not easy for one defender to win the Ballon d'Or. Fabio Cannavaro was the last to do it but you never know in football. If Gabriel keeps scoring goals and wins some trophies for Arsenal too then why not?"