Calafiori nominated for Premier League Player of the Month after flying Arsenal start

Riccardo Calafiori has been shortlisted for the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August following an impressive opening to the season with Arsenal.

According to the Premier League, the Italy international is one of eight nominees, alongside Rayan Cherki, Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sangare, Konstantinos Tzolakis and Yoane Wissa.

Calafiori’s overlapping runs behind Arsenal’s opening two wins

The former Bologna and Roma defender has two assists from two matches, a return most left-backs would take from a full season. His low ball across the face of goal teed up Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s first goal of the campaign against Coventry City, and a cutback against Aston Villa left Bukayo Saka with a simple finish for the winner.

The defensive side of his game has been just as strong. Arsenal have won both fixtures without conceding, restricting their opponents to a single shot on target across the two games combined, with Calafiori’s positioning and recovery pace central to that.

It represents a significant step forward for the Italian, who arrived in north London in 2024 and has taken time to nail down a regular starting berth. His form should also strengthen his case with Italy ahead of the next international window.