Football News: Nuno Tavares Nets Stunner on Marseille Debut
On July 30, Tavares departed Arsenal for a season-long loan with Marseille. He hasn’t wasted any time making an impression. He scored in Marseille’s crushing 4-1 victory over Stade Reims in a match that had a somewhat Arsenal feel to it.
The 22-year-old was used by new boss Igor Tudor as a left-wing-back. The Portuguese enjoyed the offensive freedom the position provided.
Before the break, a raking long ball found Tavares running in behind the Reims defense. Tavares cut back inside onto his right foot and fired a tremendous low finish from the edge of the area into the bottom corner.
Given that he made the effort with his weaker right foot while appearing to be off balance, it was all the more spectacular. His joyous celebrations were shared with former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. The midfielder who was recently sold to Marseille for about £9 million,
On Sunday, Tavares also faced up against another loanee from Arsenal. Folarin Balogun, who scored in his Reims debut. In the 84th minute, the 21-year-old striker, headed in a rebounded cross to give his team a consolation score.
Tavares made 28 appearances last season in all competitions after moving to Arsenal in a £7 million deal from Benfica last summer. However, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s £32 million transfer from Manchester City knocked him down the left-back pecking order and forced a loan move.
The Portuguese Under-21 international occasionally struggled in his first season at Arsenal. However, there is optimism that he can improve in France. With William Saliba now playing for Arsenal after spending three years on loan in France, Tavares has a clear example to follow.
Saliba originally moved to Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a £27 million deal in July 2019. However, he spent the following three seasons on loan with Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille before returning this summer.
The 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Friday saw the 21-year-old make an impressive start. Arsenal has received praise for its approach to Saliba’s development.
Arsenal’s left-back options are Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney because Nuno is on loan. Before Tierney came off the bench in the second half of the victory over Palace on Friday, Zinchenko made his debut by helping Gabriel Martinelli score the game’s first goal.
Because he can play everywhere on the left side of the pitch and in midfield, the Ukraine international gives Mikel Arteta more tactical options. When Arsenal plays Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, they will try to build on their victory on an opening day.
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