Mikel Arteta has lauded Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares for his ability to handle pressure following his first-ever start in the Premier League.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Arsenal manager praised the Portuguese youngster for his attitude on Friday night. Tavares started for the Gunners with Kieran Tierney out injured with an ankle knock.
And Tavares was arguably one of Arsenal’s best players on the night. With the former Benfica talent impressing down the left-wing and linking up well with Emile Smith Rowe, who scored and assisted in a 3-1 win for the Gunners.
With Tavares likely to start again this evening against Leeds, the 21-year-old youngster is starting to look like a bargain signing for Arsenal. And for Arteta, his mentality on Friday night was brilliant given the career milestone for the defender.
Arteta said on Tavares: “One of the biggest qualities he has is that he is not fazed at all when is playing. He was not fazed to make a debut like he did. The risks that he takes, the actions that he puts in place.
The Arsenal manager added: “Plus what you can see, his physicality, he is naturally a very gifted athlete. He can run and he can change speed and direction, and technically he is very gifted.”
Tavares form should worry Tierney after PL debut for Arsenal
The Portuguese defender played a key role in an electric performance for Arsenal. Indeed, the match from start to finish was arguably the Gunners’ best of the season. And Tavares’ display should worry Tierney.
The Scottish defender has been excellent since arriving from Celtic in 2019. But so far this season, Tierney has been below the usual level Arsenal fans expect the 24-year-old to be at.
And with Tavares taking his chance with both hands, the £25m left-back could have to watch his back if the Portuguese defender continues to impress.
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