3 reasons why Brighton is the perfect destination for Nuno Tavares

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s impending arrival should hasten Nuno Tavares’ loan departure this summer.

Tavares endured a fairly difficult debut season in north London, but his dynamic skill set and the talent he teased on occasions in 2021/22 mean Arsenal shouldn’t give up on the raw full-back just yet.

Thus, the club are trying to loan the former Benfica starlet out this summer with Marseille previously being linked with a move. However, another club has surfaced as a potential suitor and, on paper, they appear to be the perfect destination for Tavares.

3 reasons why Brighton is the perfect destination for Nuno Tavares

Graham Potter’s Brighton are believed to be considering a loan move for the Arsenal man, and here are three reasons why the Gunners must attempt to broker a deal with the Seagulls for Tavares.

1. Ideal systematic fit

Mikel Arteta attempted to maximise Nuno Tavares’ attacking talents last season by giving him the freedom to advance into the final third. He would often hug the touchline and overlap the winger ahead of him, who’d drift inside and operate in the half-space.

Tavares’ athleticism, two-footedness, and dynamism saw him impress in spells during his debut season, but his lack of application and tendency to lose focus meant he frustrated both the manager and supporters

However, there’s too much talent to ignore and should he play in a system as coherent as Brighton’s, the young full-back will thrive. Graham Potter has almost exclusively played with a back three since he took the job three years ago, meaning Tavares will function as a wing-back should he make the switch to the South Coast.

This suits the 22-year-old down to a tee, with the likes of Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, and Marc Cucurella all thriving out wide for Potter.

Tavares has all the attributes to excel as a wing-back, and Brighton’s expertly coached positional play means the Portuguese full-back will have many decisions made for him when he receives possession. He’ll find it easier to combine with teammates, while his responsibility in the build-up will be reduced.

In essence, life will be made much simpler for the 22-year-old.

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