Circling Overhead

Last season, Bologna reached great heights, finishing in the Champions League after decades of absence. Such is the tradition for overperforming smaller clubs; vultures began circling the minute the season ended.

Two of those vultures, Arsenal and Manchester United, picked up interesting pieces that they hope will change their fortunes.

Bologna played some of the most exciting football last season. Under the mercurial Thiago Motta, the side played fast-paced, attacking football that outpaced Juventus and Napoli.

Despite making his name at the Euros, Riccardo Calafiori was among the Serie A’s best defenders last year. The Italian combines excellent play-reading skills with a willingness to push up and contribute to the attack. However, for an Arsenal side in need of attacking juice, the fit seems to be confusing.

PHOTO: Football Italia

On the other hand, United stole the striker from plenty of interested Italian sides, picking up Joshua Zirkzee. After developing at Bayern, the Dutchman slowly showed his keen ability to be a threat on goal over the past two seasons. While a better fit for his respective club than Calafiroi, Zirkzee will have to beat out Højlund for a starting spot.

Both clubs hope that the ex-Bologna players will become key parts to sides with different aspirations.

However, with weird fits, will the two exciting players actually impact their sides?

Despite Italy’s terrible performance, Calafiori made his name at the recent Euros. His long flowing hair stole the show, but so did his excellent dynamic performances.

One easy comparison exists for the Italians and is not too surprising for Italian fans. In Calafiroi’s game, there are shades of Leonardo Bonucci. It’s a bit of a lazy comparison, but the two play extremely similar. 

Both centerbacks excel at transitioning play from the back forward. Excellent dribblers for defenders who function almost as a defensive mid while in the attack. As seen in that game against Croatia, he’s not afraid of creating in the offensive end and being effective.

That offensive game pairs well with a great reading of attackers. Calafiori finished around the top of the league for both blocks and interceptions.

For Arsenal fans, this move excites them most, given how much fun he brings to the pitch. However, the fit is concerning since both Gabriel and Saliba are solidified starters.

Unless Arteta moves to a back three, it’s tough to see Calafiori starting at center back.

More likely, Calafiori will revert back to left back where he started, similar to Tomiyasu’s shift at Arsenal. While this makes sense for the team, it limits the player’s growth, and a back three fits this team much more. Yes, Calafiori profiles to be a massive impact over Zinchenko, but to fulfill his full potential, he needs to start at center back. 

After starring at the Euros, the Italian found himself at the center of the transfer world. Now, he finds himself on a team desperate for a title with a world of expectations on him. 

Unlike his Italian teammate, Zirkzee failed to make a name for himself at the Euros.

That’s not to say the Dutchman lacked suitors; Juventus followed him closely during the past season.

Similar to Højlund, United pursued a striker who, while productive, never set the league on fire. Both players found homes in Italy after starting their development elsewhere. And now, they represent the future of United’s attack. 

Zirkzee profiles as a hub around which an offense rotates. A capable passer who aims to involve his teammates, Bologna’s attack revolved around the Dutchman. United hopes that he may play alongside his Danish teammate to open play for one another.

With all that said, Zirkzee still scored 11 goals last season. As the season dragged on, he showed the ability to get into the right spots, which should continue at United with Fernandes.

Similar to Calafiori, the biggest concern remains on how he will fit into this United squad. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that ten Hag finds a way to start Zirkzee alongside Højlund. Additionally, United already bet big on the Danish striker, so why take another swing?

Going big on two relatively unknown players with mixed success before moving to the Prem requires that at least one hits. After being the meme of the season, Højlund slowly showed his potential and won the starting job handily by the end of the season. It’s unlikely that Zirkzee will receive the necessary playing time needed to develop in his first season, so why make this move?

It’s such a tough situation because Zirkzee oozes talent and potential, but United may be the wrong club. In fact, it probably would have been better if the two clubs had swapped transfers.

Unfortunately, in modern football, underdogs become the prey of vultures. Clubs that fail to find ways to win target overperforming smaller clubs as they hope to unlock some hidden potential.

Now, Arsenal and Manchester United hop onto this ride once more and will wait to see who finishes better.

PHOTO: Alamy