Dream Team lessons from Arsenal’s Community Shield win: Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis attracting attention

GLORIFIED friendly or prestigious precursor? The same debate about the Community Shield crops up year after year but whatever the truth about its relevance, it always gives Dream Team managers something to think about. PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW: £100,000 PRIZE POT! Calafiori struck early at Wembley Credit: PA An impressive 3-0 victory for Arsenal over Manchester City has only reaffirmed the Gunners’ status as favourites to retain their Premier League crown. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Mikel Arteta’s side conceded more goals than expected during their pre-season friendlies but a clean sheet at Principality Stadium serves as a timely reminder that the North Londoners are unmatched when it comes to shutting out their opponents. Key defenders Jurrien Timber (£5m) and William Saliba (£5m) will not be available for the first few Gameweeks of the season and so Ben White (£4.5m) and Christian Mosquera (£4.5m) have to be considered good options — both are £1m cheaper than Gabriel (£5.5m). Although the defender whose stock increased the most on Sunday was Riccardo Calafiori (£4.5m). The Italy international started at left-back but popped up in the box after just 30 seconds to open the scoring, after a delightful pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly (£3.5m). It’s always notable when Calafiori gains possession in such an advanced position but it’s what the fans have come to expect from him.. The 24-year-old has the necessary attributes to contribute in the final third and his willingness to shoot makes him a super appealing Dream Team asset. Most read in Football Arsenal’s critics accuse them of negative conservatism but it’s clear Arteta encourages his first-choice left-back to move into midfield (and the front line) whenever possible. Calafiori was replaced by Piero Hincapie (£4.5m) after 60 minutes but gaffers shouldn’t be worried about his playing time — although his injury record is a slight concern. Calafiori now features in 14.3% of teams Credit: Alamy Christos Tzolis (£4m) is another Arsenal player who has attracted more attention after Sunday’s clash in Cardiff. The Greek winger registered two assists and seems certain to start the campaign on the left flank. A relatively affordable option in midfield, Tzolis amassed 43 goals and 45 assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge and he’s rattled along at a similar rate during Arsenal’s pre-season campaign. The 24-year-old currently features in 13.6% of teams, making him the ninth-most selected player in his position. Elsewhere, Dream Team bosses would have noted that Kai Havertz (£4.5m) started up front over Viktor Gyokeres (£5m) and scored, just as he did in the Champions League final. At the time of writing, the Swedish striker appears in 14.6% of teams and is almost twice as popular as his German team-mate. Remember, the deadline for Gameweek 1 is at 8pm on Friday 21st August so both Arsenal and Coventry’s starting line-ups for the curtain-raiser will be known in advance — there’s no excuse for picking the champions’ second-choice striker, whomever that may be. Tzolis has impressed during pre-season Credit: Alamy While Arsenal players are gaining popularity ahead of Gameweek 1, Dream Team managers will have their reservations about Man City. Regardless of the Community Shield’s status, Enzo Maresca will be disappointed with the result and his side’s performance. The ex-Chelsea coach selected Abdukodir Khusanov (£4.5m) at right-back, a possible indication that Matheus Nunes (£5m) will no longer be a starting defender. The Portugal international was converted into a full-back by Pep Guardiola and registered more assists (11) than any other Dream Team defender last season. Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! Ruben Dias (£4.5m) was named captain in Wales and started alongside Josko Gvardiol (£5m) with Nico O’Reilly (£5m) at left-back. However, the true pecking order remains to be seen as Marc Guehi (£5m) was limited to 40 minutes having been given an extended summer break following the World Cup. Risk-adverse gaffers will not fork out a sizeable chunk of their budget on a Man City defender until Maresca’s preferred back four is easily identifiable. Erling Haaland (£8.5m) was kept quiet during his 53 minutes on the pitch but going without the prolific No9 would be a brave decision as his current ownership sits a smidge below 80%! Open to residents of UK and Rep of Ireland, 18+ only. T&Cs apply. How to claim £30 in football free bets Midnite offer Download the Midnite app or create an account online HERE* Register using the code: BETGET30 Deposit a minimum of £10 Place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds of 1/1 Free Bets will be credited upon settlement of your qualifying bet Comment now