Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares came in for a first Premier League start on Friday night, shining in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
Kieran Tierney was unavailable due to injury, and this is exactly why Arsenal made the move to sign Tavares.
Lured away from Benfica over the summer, Tavares was seen as the ideal player to offer cover and competition behind Tierney.
Quick, attack-minded but a little raw, Tavares has potential for the future. Arsenal’s plan was to bring him along gradually, but he now has to play.
One key pass, one shot on target, two tackles won, two accurate crosses, three clearances, two aerials won… all things considered, Tavares played well in his first league start for Arsenal.
Martinelli praises Arsenal teammate Tavares
It’s unclear just how long Tierney will be out for now, meaning Tavares may be needed in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI moving forward.
If the Portuguese left back can turn in similar performances consistently, Arsenal may not feel Tierney’s absence all that much.
Tavares took to Instagram over the weekend to celebrate the victory and his performance, receiving positive messages from the likes of Rafael Leao, Adel Taarabt and Pedro Neto.
Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli joined in, stating ‘Good Nuno, you are an ace!’
Tavares seems to be impressing his own teammates, and that bodes well for his future in North London.
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