Bologna FC are enjoying a great season in the Serie A and so are their players. The club is competing for a spot in the UEFA Champions League. All players are looking in good nick, especially the youngsters in the team. One such player who is winning hearts and attracting the attention of top clubs. Riccardo Calafiori, a young left-back is one such player who is in the news these days.
Having started his professional career at Roma, Califiori left the club after just two seasons. He spent the last season in Switzerland with Basel and was brought to Italy by Bologna. The 21-year-old has represented his national team at various age levels. Now, Juventus have shown their interest in the high-flying full-back. Here is a look at what has attracted the other clubs towards this player.
Winning crucial duels
Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best in the business in this season’s Serie A. He is young and at a learning stage. The 21-year-old has given away quite a few silly fouls and a couple of penalties. However, his duel win rate is one thing to look after. The player has won 66% of his defensive duels, 70.5% of his aerial duels and 60% of his loose ball duels. Calafiori is strong in the air and won nine of his 11 aerial duels in the last match. The above viz shows that the youngster won these duels in crucial areas and prevented the opposition’s attacks.
This plot illustrates the centre-back’s ability to engage in and win defensive one-on-one situations. High values in both metrics suggest a reliable defender. Clearly, the youngster is sitting with the best in winning these duels.
The above plot measures a centre-back’s aerial presence and effectiveness, crucial for defending set pieces and crosses. Riccardo is a strong figure in the air and that makes him one of the best youngsters in Italy.
Another key element in the defender’s game is in his ability to recover the ball in dangerous zones. The youngster makes around 13.8 recoveries per 90 minutes and 23% of these come in the attacking half. Most of these have been in the form of counter-pressing recoveries.
Attacking contributions
Riccardo Calafiori has played as a left centre-back during his career and he is being used as a full-back by Bologna. The player likes to make runs down the middle. He is not a player who likes to stretch the opposition defence and make wide runs.
The youngster has an assist to his name in the current season. He hasn’t created a lot of chances. However, the player has shown signs of direct football and often got into wider positions to deliver a cross.
Juventus will be keeping an eye on him and confirm his signing. Bologna might invest in the player or keep him for a much bigger next season.
Visuals via Wyscout and the TFA data viz engine