Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport has raised issues over Nuno Tavares’ current kind at Lazio, following a sensational begin to the season with 8 assists in his first 8 Serie A video games.
A current article in has scrutinised the fluctuating type of , the 24-year-old Arsenal loanee who has been plying his commerce at Lazio this season.
Tavares, who joined the Serie A outfit on a mortgage deal that features a €9 million obligation to purchase, started his spell in sensational model, racking up a formidable eight assists in his first eight league video games.
His electrical begin even prompted that he wouldn’t promote the left-back, “even for €70 million.”
Nonetheless, as Corriere dello Sport highlights, Tavares’ performances have taken a pointy downturn in current weeks after his return from a hamstring harm.
His attacking drive, as soon as unstoppable, has been overshadowed by acquainted defensive vulnerabilities which have come underneath rising scrutiny.
Beforehand hailed for his blistering runs and artistic aptitude, the Portuguese full-back now finds himself criticised for his defensive positioning and a bent to lose possession throughout solo runs.
The Italian publication factors to particular situations the place Tavares has struggled, equivalent to his video games towards Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atalanta, all of whom exploited his defensive shortcomings. CdS write that Denzel Dumfries “overwhelmed him” whereas Raoul Bellanova “tore him to items”.
His efficiency towards Lecce led Lazio supervisor Marco Baroni to substitute him after 70 minutes, with Luca Pellegrini launched on the left flank to stabilise the defence in a slim 1-2 victory. The next week, he was changed seven minutes earlier as Lazio drew 1-1 with Atalanta.
The Italian media’s scrutiny additionally touches on broader tactical issues. As Lazio prepares for the upcoming Rome derby, they’re conscious that opposing groups have been focusing on Tavares’ facet of the pitch. Gamers like Alexis Saelemaekers, whereas much less bodily imposing than others who’ve troubled Tavares, may exploit his weaknesses by means of intelligent positioning and marking.
Roma‘s supervisor, Claudio Ranieri, they write, “is more likely to undertake a twin technique towards Tavares: limiting his area to stop his explosive runs whereas attacking his defensive facet.”
Regardless of the criticism, Baroni has publicly backed Tavares, calling him a participant with “immense offensive talents” who must regain confidence.
“He had a minor harm, however he’s again. He wants to remain calm and maintain working. He has immense offensive talents, however typically they arrive off, and typically they don’t. He can’t ship 5 assists each match. His magnificence lies in his willingness to take dangers,” Baroni stated, including that he would by no means restrict his gamers’ creativity.
But, even that religion has to come back with caveats; Tavares should enhance his consistency if he’s to fulfil the expectations set by his early-season brilliance.
With the mortgage settlement obligating Lazio to buy the participant for €9 million on the finish of the season, the disparity between that payment and his present market worth—estimated at €25 million—displays each the potential upside and the dangers concerned.
Ought to his performances get better, Lazio may safe a cut price for a participant whose early season prompted comparisons to a few of Europe’s elite attacking full-backs. But when his defensive frailties persist, the deal might look much less beneficial.
In the end, Corriere dello Sport encapsulates a rising narrative round Tavares: a participant of immense expertise and attacking aptitude, whose defensive inconsistencies should be addressed for him to succeed in his potential.
