Calafiori's impressive form has caught the attention of the Premier League, with the Italy international being one of eight nominees for the award. The nominees include Rayan Cherki, Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sangare, Konstantinos Tzolakis and Yoane Wissa.
Calafiori's overlapping runs have been key to Arsenal's opening two wins, with the former Bologna and Roma defender providing two assists from two matches. His low ball across the face of goal teed up Kai Havertz for Arsenal's first goal of the campaign against Coventry City, and a cutback against Aston Villa left Bukayo Saka with a simple finish for the winner.
Arsenal have won both fixtures without conceding, restricting their opponents to a single shot on target across the two games combined, with Calafiori's positioning and recovery pace central to that.