Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori would rather carry the ball forty yards himself than wait for a midfielder to arrive and collect a simple pass, driving through midfield lines a more conservative defender would play around. His composure under pressure lets him receive the ball in tight areas near his own box without panicking into a rushed clearance. Comfortable at left back or in a back three, his versatility gives the coaching staff several ways to use him.

The tension is that a defender who carries the ball forward that often leaves gaps behind him whenever the move breaks down. Every progressive run is also a defender temporarily out of position, and a well organised opponent will counter into exactly the space he vacated. Watch how quickly he recovers after losing the ball in an advanced position.