Calafiori’s scoring threat delights Arsenal fans: ‘Not real’

Riccardo Calafiori was one of Arsenal’s best players in a 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, and the Gunners’ supporters were delighted, especially by his attacking performance: ‘He’s not real.’

Calafiori played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford on Wednesday and received plenty of praise from the Gunners’ fans on social media.

As reported by Sofascore, Calafiori put in an all-round performance, winning nine duels, making 69 touches and completing two successful dribbles from three.

The attacking threat posed by the Italy international struck with Arsenal supporters, who shared several clips of Calafiori’s forward runs on X social media.

“Calafiori is not real, never seen a defender with that composure in the opponent’s box,” an Arsenal supporter wrote.

Another one argued: “We don’t give Calafiori enough credit for his goal-scoring threat when he gets in advanced positions.”

A former Roma and Bologna defender, Calafiori has scored one goal and provided three assists in 16 appearances with Arsenal this season.

The 23-year-old has made 12 international appearances, making his Italy debut in 2024 under Luciano Spalletti.

Below are some of the best comments and clips after Calafiori’s performance vs. Brentford.

Calafiori is not real, never seen a defender with that composure in opponent’s box.

I won’t be surprised if he ends up with 6-7 goals in upcoming seasons
pic.twitter.com/v3Us5JlS2U

— 🥤𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 (@_Afcbanks) December 4, 2025

🚨 Riccardo Calafiori’s stats against Brentford:

· 3 tackles won
· 1 interception
· 3 clearances
· 4 recoveries
· 0 times dribbled past
· 2/2 aerial duels won pic.twitter.com/a7SZ2xysuJ

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 3, 2025

We don’t give Calafiori enough credit for his goal scoring threat when he gets in advanced positions.

A thumping strike on his weak foot as well.

pic.twitter.com/dNBcocTF9c

— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) December 3, 2025

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League Full-backs: Pass completion (to final third) %

🥇 R. Calafiori (Arsenal, 23) — 89.47
🥈 D. Udogie (Tottenham, 23) — 86.36
🥉 M. Gusto (Chelsea, 22) — 84.85
🏅 T. Livramento (Newcastle, 23) — 83.78
🏅 A. Truffert (Bournemouth, 24) — 82.46

📊… pic.twitter.com/89lyD2xAFx

— DataMB (@DataMB_) December 4, 2025

“Arsenal plays with 4 CB”

Meanwhile Calafiori deciding he’s a striker now for no reason: pic.twitter.com/iHEaFVGc2v

— George (@George_Zur) December 4, 2025

A booking would have ruled Riccardo Calafiori out of Villa, but he won nine duels and produced a stunning defensive display whilst playing in a new back four. On top of that he had 69 touches, and created havoc around the box with two shots and a chance from a backheel. Monster. pic.twitter.com/TbzNXN5hGo

— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) December 4, 2025

My favourite play from Arsenal in the 1st half.

Madueke receives from wide. White overlaps and provides a passing lane with a diagonal run.