Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori might both don the Arsenal shirt, but when it comes to their physical attributes, they stand at opposite ends of the spectrum—quite literally.
Calafiori, the Italian left-back, measures in at a towering 6’2″ (though some reports list him at 6’0″), making him an imposing figure in defense. His height is crucial in helping him win aerial duels and assert dominance in the backline.
Meanwhile, Trossard, Arsenal’s nimble winger, stands at a much more modest 5’7″. But don’t let the shorter stature fool you—Trossard’s low center of gravity gives him incredible balance and agility allowing him to glide past defenders.
This striking height difference caught the internet’s attention when the two were captured in conversation during the recent international break, where Italy and Belgium faced off in the Nations League. As expected, the photo showed Calafiori towering over the Belgian winger.
While there is a 7 inch difference between the two, both Calafiori and Trossard aren’t extremely tall or extremely short.
Ryan Fraser and Tariq Lamptey are reported to be two of the shortest players in the league at 5’3″, and Trossard falls into the average height bracket, even more so for a winger.
As for Calafiori, both his partners in defense, Gabriel and William Saliba are taller than him at 6’3″. Dan Burn the tall and lanky full back for Newcastle is reported to be the tallest in the league at 6’5″.
Naturally, the internet had a field day with the picture. Fans were quick to reference the iconic “Yo Neymar sunny innit?” meme, joking that Trossard was probably asking Calafiori how the weather was up there at 6’2″.
While height does play a big part in their positions, both these players possess unique skill sets that have made them top players and key figures in Arteta’s title charge.