Lazio's Gennaro Gattuso Praises Nuno Tavares, Says He's Fit for Real Madrid
Lazio Coach Gennaro Gattuso Sees Real Madrid Potential in Nuno Tavares
Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso has praised former Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares, stating the Portuguese defender has the talent needed to play for Real Madrid. After struggling to secure a spot at the Emirates Stadium, Tavares has found his stride in Italy's Serie A.
Tavares' Journey and Revival
Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 amid high hopes but failed to become a regular under Mikel Arteta. Loan spells at Marseille, Nottingham Forest, and then Lazio followed. Lazio initially took him on loan before making the transfer permanent last year.
With Maurizio Sarri's departure and Gattuso's arrival, Lazio's squad has gained fresh momentum. They started the new Serie A season unbeaten, with three wins and a draw, leading the title race early on. Tavares has been key to this success, starting nearly all matches and fitting well into Gattuso's tactics.
Gattuso's High Praise and Insights
Gattuso spoke to DAZN about Tavares' qualities, saying: "I’ve always said that Tavares is worthy of Real Madrid. This is a player who ought to be at Real Madrid. He’s got everything it takes, he has pace, right foot, left foot."
The coach also noted the mental challenges Tavares has faced, comparing his unrealized potential to someone losing a big inheritance quickly: "He feels like someone who lost his parents young, received a big inheritance, and in five years it went up in smoke."
Gattuso believes building Tavares’ confidence and focus is key: "He knows he has talent and could’ve had 10-12 years at Real Madrid with his qualities. You’ve just got to get him to understand. He is unusual and after a match he needs his time to recover, but he’s a good lad. You need to get into his head and make him understand."
From Premier League Struggles to Italian Stability
Tavares' time at Arsenal did not go as planned, with defensive mistakes leading to him falling out of favour after an £8 million move. His form in Serie A has offered a more stable platform where he is now entering his third season with Lazio. The club suits his style and gives him space to improve.
Upcoming Challenges and Future Prospects
This weekend, Lazio faces newly promoted Venezia. Keeping their strong Serie A start and staying in the top four is a priority for Gattuso's side. If Tavares keeps performing well and follows his coach's advice, he might finally fulfill the promise that once made him a sought-after talent in Europe's top leagues.
- Upcoming Matches:
- Ipswich Town vs Arsenal: 15 Sept 2026, 22:00 (Carabao Cup)
- Lazio vs Venezia: 19 Sept 2026, 21:45 (Serie A)
