8 assists in 9 earns Arsenal loanee international debut | OneFootball

Nuno Tavares‘ impressive season has been rewarded with a senior international call-up for Portugal in which he will get his first cap.

The Arsenal loanee, currently plying his trade at Lazio, has been turning heads with a series of standout performances, and national team manager Roberto Martínez has taken notice.

ROME, ITALY: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Genoa at Stadio Olimpico on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Tavares, who joined Lazio on loan in the summer, has been nothing short of spectacular. He has registered eight assists this season, putting him at the top of the assists chart across Europe’s top five leagues.

Most recently, Tavares set up another goal for Lazio in their 5-1 victory against Como 1907, managed by former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas. Despite being sent off later in the match, Tavares’ impact in the game was undeniable.

Roberto Martínez, when announcing the squad, described Tavares as an “easy to understand” choice due to his “special characteristics” and remarkable form.

Martínez, who has been keen to introduce new talent into the Portuguese setup, highlighted Tavares’ potential to bring something unique to the squad. “He had a spectacular start to the season with Lazio and is a very interesting player for the national team,” Martínez said.

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Tavares will join up with the Portuguese squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Poland and Croatia, as they aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Portugal only need one point to progress, but Martínez has made it clear that the team is aiming for maximum points to continue building momentum.

With key players like Rúben Dias, Rúben Neves, and Diogo Jota all out injured, Martínez emphasised the importance of being adaptable and using this opportunity to test new players. “We have to accept this challenge and find a way to win without him,” said Martínez, acknowledging the void left by the absence of Manchester City’s Rúben Dias.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Tavares’ loan deal with Lazio includes an obligation to buy for €9m (£7.6m) provided certain conditions are met, likely involving appearances. With his value now at €15m and rising, that seems like a bargain.

So, it is no wonder that Lazio president Claudio Lotito has already indicated his desire to make the move permanent, stating that he would not consider selling Tavares even for €70m.

Arsenal have also inserted a sell-on clause worth over 25% of any future transfer fee, ensuring they will benefit financially from any Tavares sale.

With this call-up, Tavares has a chance to prove himself on the international stage and solidify his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting left-backs, something he sadly only showed glimpses of doing at Arsenal.