Ray Parlour fears Nuno Tavares may be exposed by Tottenham Hotspur during next weeks’ North London derby clash between Arsenal and Antonio Conte’s side in the Premier League, speaking to talkSPORT (6 May, 9.50am).
They say you’re only as strong as your weakest link.
And with Scotland international Kieran Tierney unavailable for what could be a Champions League shoot-out between two London neighbours, the pressure is on for Tavares to prove that he can be relied upon to perform on the biggest of stages.
Then again, they say diamonds are forged by pressure.
And Mikel Arteta, who has hauled off the former Benfica flyer before the second half twice since the turn of the year, will be praying a game that could come to define Arsenal’s entire season brings out the best in a man who’s Gunners career thus far has been a story of feast and famine.
Awesome one minute, awful the next.
Arsenal face Tottenham in the North London derby
“I worry about the full-back areas,” says Parlour.
“Tierney is brilliant if he stays fit. He’s been injured quite often in an Arsenal shirt. Defensively, he’s (Tavares) is not the best if I’m being honest. He’s got to improve on that.
“He’s better in a three at the back, when he plays wing-back. But he’s vulnerable at left-back. And I’m sure Spurs will be saying; ‘Well OK, let’s play down the left-hand side and Tavares.’ They might get a bit of joy down that side when they play them next Thursday.”
- How Rangers’ XI could look in 22/23, including 5 new signings
- How West Ham’s XI could look in 22/23 with 4 new signings
Should Tavares start – and he looks likely to do just that with Granit Xhaka struggling when fielded on the left in Tierney’s absence – the swashbuckling 22-year-old may go head-to-head with Dejan Kulusevski, one of the most in-form creators in the whole of the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
