Gattuso Says Lazio’s Nuno Tavares Has the Quality for Real Madrid
Nuno Tavares will aim to extend Lazio’s unbeaten Serie A start at newly promoted Venezia this weekend after head coach Gennaro Gattuso declared the Portuguese defender good enough for Real Madrid.
Gattuso backs Tavares for the top level
The Lazio manager has been struck by the 26-year-old’s blend of speed, two-footed ability and athleticism since taking charge in Rome. Tavares has started three of Lazio’s opening four league matches as the club collected three wins and one draw.
- Gattuso believes Tavares possesses the qualities required to play for Real Madrid.
- He highlighted the left-back’s pace and comfort with both feet.
- The coach feels Tavares has not yet consistently matched his natural ability with the right mentality and concentration.
“I have always believed Tavares has the level for Real Madrid,” Gattuso said. “He has all the tools: pace, a right foot and a left foot.”
Gattuso also used a stark comparison to explain the player’s stalled progress, suggesting his potential had previously been wasted like a large inheritance quickly spent. The former World Cup winner insists the priority is helping Tavares understand his own level and remain focused.
“With his attributes, he could have spent 10 or 12 years at Real Madrid,” Gattuso added. “You have to make him realise it. He is a different character and needs time to recover after games, but he is a good person. You must reach him mentally and make it clear to him.”
Arsenal struggle gave way to Lazio stability
Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 in an £8 million deal, but could not secure a lasting role under Mikel Arteta. Defensive lapses pushed him out of favour at the Emirates and led to a run of loans.
- He spent time with Marseille after leaving Arsenal.
- Nottingham Forest was his next temporary destination.
- Lazio then took him to Serie A on loan before completing a permanent transfer last year.
Now in his third campaign with Lazio, Tavares has found the continuity that eluded him in England. His role has grown following a difficult previous season in which Maurizio Sarri left the club by mutual consent.
Venezia trip is the immediate test
Gattuso’s arrival has lifted Lazio after that upheaval, with the early unbeaten run putting the side among the leading teams in the developing title contest. The immediate target is to protect a top-four position while keeping their momentum intact.
Victory at Venezia would strengthen Lazio’s early standing and offer Tavares another chance to show that his form in Italy can finally turn long-held potential into sustained top-level performance.
