"Arteta is often criticised for playing two centre-backs at full-back, in Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. Of course, they don't actually function as centre-backs: though both have played there for their respective countries, the pair have license to roam in the final third and contribute massively to Arsenal's attack. By fielding full-backs who are capable of playing centre-back, though, the Gunners not only have a defensive base strong enough to platform their attack, they have two players who can build up in a back three."
"Arsenal play out in a kind of 3-2-2-3 formation and both Timber and Calafiori are equally adept at receiving and playing forward in this first line. As noted last year in Arsenal's 2-0 home win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, however, Arteta wants a teams of generalists': like Pep Guardiola, he wants as many players capable of playing in differing roles, so that whatever formation or system he's playing, his players can adapt."
Arsenal have been accused of being boring and reliant on set-piece brilliance, with little edge in open play. Their recent 2-0 win featured a first-goal from a corner and a resolute Burnley, but the first-half performance showcased underlying improvement. Declan Rice delivered a commanding midfield display. The use of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori as full-backs brings center-back qualities that allow roaming, attacking contribution, and a back-three build-up. Arsenal operate in a 3-2-2-3 shape with versatile players who can adapt to multiple roles. Riccardo Calafiori exemplifies versatility by performing defensive, inverted midfield, creative, and overlapping duties from left-back.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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