Media question Arsenal loanee’s form after blistering start to the season | OneFootball

Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport has raised concerns over Nuno Tavares’ recent form at Lazio, following a sensational start to the season with 8 assists in his first 8 Serie A games.

Nuno Tavares: a train that needs regulating – Corriere dello Sport 4 Jan 2025

A recent article in Corriere dello Sport has scrutinised the fluctuating form of Nuno Tavares, the 24-year-old Arsenal loanee who has been plying his trade at Lazio this season.

Tavares, who joined the Serie A outfit on a loan deal that includes a €9 million obligation to buy, began his spell in sensational style, racking up an impressive eight assists in his first eight league games.

His electric start even prompted Lazio’s president to declare that he would not sell the left-back, “even for €70 million.”

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

However, as Corriere dello Sport highlights, Tavares’ performances have taken a sharp downturn in recent weeks after his return from a hamstring injury.

His attacking drive, once unstoppable, has been overshadowed by familiar defensive vulnerabilities that have come under increasing scrutiny.

Previously hailed for his blistering runs and creative flair, the Portuguese full-back now finds himself criticised for his defensive positioning and a tendency to lose possession during solo runs.

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

The Italian publication points to specific instances where Tavares has struggled, such as his games against Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atalanta, all of whom exploited his defensive shortcomings. CdS write that Denzel Dumfries “overwhelmed him” while Raoul Bellanova “tore him to pieces”.

His performance against Lecce led Lazio manager Marco Baroni to substitute him after 70 minutes, with Luca Pellegrini introduced on the left flank to stabilise the defence in a narrow 1-2 victory. The following week, he was replaced seven minutes earlier as Lazio drew 1-1 with Atalanta.

The Italian media’s scrutiny also touches on broader tactical concerns. As Lazio prepares for the upcoming Rome derby, they are aware that opposing teams have been targeting Tavares’ side of the pitch. Players like Alexis Saelemaekers, while less physically imposing than others who have troubled Tavares, could exploit his weaknesses through clever positioning and marking.

Roma‘s manager, Claudio Ranieri, they write, “is likely to adopt a dual strategy against Tavares: limiting his space to prevent his explosive runs while attacking his defensive side.”

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

Despite the criticism, Baroni has publicly backed Tavares, calling him a player with “immense offensive abilities” who needs to regain confidence.

“He had a minor injury, but he’s back. He needs to stay calm and keep working. He has immense offensive abilities, but sometimes they come off, and sometimes they don’t. He can’t deliver five assists every match. His beauty lies in his willingness to take risks,” Baroni said, adding that he would never limit his players’ creativity.

Yet, even that faith has to come with caveats; Tavares must improve his consistency if he is to fulfil the expectations set by his early-season brilliance.

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

With the loan agreement obligating Lazio to purchase the player for €9 million at the end of the season, the disparity between that fee and his current market value—estimated at €25 million—reflects both the potential upside and the risks involved.

Should his performances recover, Lazio could secure a bargain for a player whose early season prompted comparisons to some of Europe’s elite attacking full-backs. But if his defensive frailties persist, the deal may look less favourable.

Ultimately, Corriere dello Sport encapsulates a growing narrative around Tavares: a player of immense talent and attacking flair, whose defensive inconsistencies must be addressed for him to reach his potential.