Arsenal: 3 areas for Nuno Tavares to improve

What a pleasant surprise. Amid a summer of extensive recruitment and numerous outgoings, of all the names in the spotlight it was Nuno Tavares’ that had received the least amount of dialogue.

Being the first of all six arrivals played its part, but it was also due to the importance of the position: other additions were more closely knocking on the first team door while the current left-back was a starting lineup stalwart.

Nuno was nonetheless a vital addition. Kieran Tierney’s injury problems and the rather glaring absence of someone other than Sead Kolasinac in the position meant another body was needed to share the minutes.

It was never thought to be a 50/50 split, as forced absences and cup matches were to be Nuno’s bread and butter for not only this season, but many seasons to come. After all, Tierney penned a shiny new contract after the Euros running until 2026.

3 areas for Nuno Tavares to improve as he aims to become an Arsenal regular ahead of Kieran Tierney in Mikel Arteta’s team

A consistent performer throughout last season, to be having the discussion that is ongoing is testament to just how well Nuno has been playing, and how underpar the Scotsman has been so far this term.

Discussions will rage on about who is deserving of a spot in the team after two excellent outings for the 21-year-old while Tierney has been absent with a bruised ankle. Who warrants the left-back slot isn’t the topic of discussion here, though.

The Portuguese defender has looked extremely impressive of late. Exceptional athleticism, neat technical ability and an aggression at both ends of the pitch have been highlights of his displays, the like of which has come as a hugely welcome bonus.

Competition is imperative across all areas of the pitch and how quickly Nuno has taken to Premier League football having been sat on the Benfica bench for much of his young career is hugely encouraging, not least with Arsenal seeking to secure a European berth in the league table and possible silverware in the Carabao and FA Cups.

Still young and with plenty of developing to do, there are three aspects of his game that Nuno needs to be looking at as he aims to make his current run of minutes more frequent.

1. Decision Making

Nuno may be in this conversation but questionable decision making in certain areas of the pitch affects far more than just him. Emile Smith Rowe still falls foul to the occasional brain fart in the final third.

Young players are the more common culprits of this particular element of the game, and knowing teammates more, understanding the flow of matches and better understanding the tactical demands placed on you by the manager can all help fine-tune decision making.

At present Nuno can cause the occasional eyebrow to raise, as he can some faint groans.

He’s learning and improving with each minute but looking back on his performances with the video analysts, as he will be doing, some of the choices he makes in possession will be singled out.

When in promising positions in the final third he can let his youth take over and instead of threading a pass into a player running in behind he’ll have a pop at goal, and vice versa.

With experience comes clarity of thought. Considering how well he’s playing and how he already looks improved from his early outings, it’s something he’s sure to start tinkering with in a positive way.