In the dynamic world of football, few stories capture the essence of redemption and resurgence quite like that of Nuno Tavares. Once a peripheral figure at Arsenal, Tavares has ignited Serie A with his exceptional performances for Lazio. Following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest and a permanent move to Rome for a modest £7.5 million, the young full-back has not only adapted but thrived in Italy.
Tavares burst onto the scene with a spectacular assist tally, leading Europe’s major leagues after setting up four goals in his first four Serie A matches. His reunion with former Arsenal teammate Matteo Guendouzi at Lazio has sparked a formidable partnership on the pitch. In a recent match against Hellas Verona, Tavares showcased his growing influence, assisting within the opening minutes, a move that has become his signature in Lazio’s attacking plays.
Despite his offensive flair, Tavares acknowledges the defensive lapses in his game, areas where he knows improvement is necessary. “Four assists in the first four Serie A games? I’m happy because I can give a contribution to my teammates,” he shared with reporters post-game. His humility contrasts with his rising star, as he credits his teammates for his successful plays.
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The impact of Tavares in Italy has not gone unnoticed. Roberto Rambaudi, a former Lazio and Italy midfielder, praised Tavares but highlighted the need for better defensive positioning. “Tavares is stratospheric,” Rambaudi noted, “but in Lazio’s half of the pitch, he needs to do better.”
Lazio’s coach, Maurizio Sarri, has also voiced his confidence in Tavares, recognizing the potential in the young player. “Tavares is a boy who has great potential. It is no coincidence that he was an Arsenal player,” Sarri commented, hinting at the structured development plan he envisions for Tavares at Lazio.
This season, Lazio, with Tavares’s contributions, has climbed to the upper echelons of Serie A standings, currently just three points behind league leaders Napoli. The synergy between Tavares and Italian winger Mattia Zaccagni has been particularly potent, with Zaccagni believing Tavares could become a ‘devastating’ talent in Italian football.
As Tavares continues to impress in Serie A, his journey from an Arsenal bench warmer to a pivotal player for Lazio illustrates not only personal growth but also the unpredictable nature of football careers. At 24, with time on his side, Tavares’s story is far from over; indeed, it seems like it’s just beginning in earnest. Lazio fans and football purists alike watch eagerly, hopeful to witness the full blossoming of a player once deemed surplus to requirements.
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Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who joined Arsenal with much anticipation, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Despite the club’s significant investment in squad depth, Kiwior’s role has predominantly been that of a spectator. This season, posts from Arsenal’s official X account reveal that Kiwior has been a substitute, with only brief appearances in matches, highlighting his peripheral status within the squad.
The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta’s management, have crafted a formidable team, yet this success has inadvertently pushed players like Kiwior towards the fringes. Recent squad announcements for matches, including against Manchester City and in cup competitions, show Kiwior named as a substitute or not in the starting XI, suggesting his place in the team is not as secure as he might hope.
