Former Benfica U19s coach Joao Tralhao has told Goal why he is not surprised by how well Nuno Tavares has settled at Arsenal since his summer transfer from the Portuguese side.
The Gunner paid As Aguias £7m to add the left-back to Mikel Arteta’s ranks in July. Bringing much needed depth to north London behind their undisputed first-choice Kieran Tierney.
Tierney proved a huge miss for Arteta last season when on the sidelines from knee injuries. The Spaniard often had to play Granit Xhaka in defence during the Scotland star’s absences.
With Tierney fit for Arsenal this season, Arteta kept Tavares to brief appearances from the bench in the Premier League. But the Portugal U21 international has recently had a chance to prove his worth against Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Tavares impressed at home to the Villans and again at the King Power Stadium with Tierney nursing a bruised ankle. However, the 24-year-old could return to face Watford on Sunday.
Tralhao not surprised by Tavares form with Arsenal
Tavares’ former Benfica youth coach, Tralhao, is not surprised to see the full-back impress for Arsenal in recent weeks. As the 21-year-old has the potential to go very far in the game.
“I’m not surprised because I know Nuno well,” Tralhao said. “Not just his performance level, or his tactical capacity, but I know him as a person and I know his mentality.
“He has huge mental strength and I think that is so important in a league as demanding as the Premier League. You need to be strong mentally, and Nuno has a lot of mental skills.
“And in terms of talent, it’s easy to see for everyone. He has incredible potential. He is full of power, full of speed, he can win duels with everyone, he can cross, he can assist, he can dribble [and] he can pass well with precision.
“Nuno has all the potential to become a complete full-back. So, I am not surprised at how he has settled.”
Should Arteta start Tavares over Tierney vs Watford?
Arteta faces a tough dilemma over his left-back against Watford with Tierney potentially fit but Tavares impressing for Arsenal.
The Portuguese may feel hard done by to fall to the sides after his performances against Aston Villa and Leicester. He seamlessly slotted into Tierney’s void and Arsenal have not appeared to miss a beat without the Scotland international featuring.
Tavares has not shied to get forward and offer the same creativity Tierney provides. He continually charged up the King Power wings last weekend to cause the Foxes problems.
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