Fabio Capello thinks Arsenal now have a defender who reminds him of a ‘young Sergio Ramos’

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Fabio Capello thinks Arsenal now have a defender who reminds him of a 'young Sergio Ramos'

Fabio Capello has compared Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori to a ‘young Sergio Ramos’ and also to another legendary centre-back.

The Italian international has been outstanding for the Gunners this season and has managed to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the team.

In Jurrien Timber and Calafiori, Mikel Arteta has the best full-back combination in Europe right now, as the duo are on fire.

Following the Gunners’ hugely impressive 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the legendary Italian manager has been raving about the Gunners’ left-back.

Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Riccardo Calafiori compared to Sergio Ramos

Fabio Capello has made it obvious that he is a huge fan of Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori following his assist for Noni Madueke’s winning goal.

The defender made a superb underlapping run before whipping a sumptuous cross into the path of Madueke, who tucked the ball home for the win.

Just like Sergio Ramos in the early stages of his career, the 23-year-old is currently playing as a full-back, and Capello believes the pair have similar qualities.

Speaking about Calafiori, Capello told Sky Sport via Gabriele Marcotti: “You’re like a young Sergio Ramos, only left-footed… I’d put you in front of the back four, you’d be like Marcel Desailly, only with more quality on the ball…”

Calafiori appeared to be ever so slightly embarrassed by the comparison and replied: “Maybe we should go slow with the comparisons…”

Did Myles Lewis-Skelly blow his World Cup chance against Bayern Munich?

Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images

Arteta picked Lewis-Skelly ahead of Calafiori against Bayern Munich, and it was not a great evening for the young defender.

Michael Olise made it a tough evening for Lewis-Skelly in front of Thomas Tuchel, with the England manager present at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta hails Riccardo Calafiori’s ‘aura’

Speaking after the match, Arteta hailed Calafiori’s ‘aura’ and was so impressed by his attitude when he entered the pitch.

Arteta joked to the media: “That’s exactly what I told him to do, get the ball to the flank, cross the ball between the centre-back and the keeper, and we scored a goal.

“I like him because he has such an attitude and aura, and he comes in to make things happen. He’s always so positive in the way he plays. It’s great that players come with that mindset.”