Gabriel Magalhaes and Albert Sambi Lokonga both sent messages to Nuno Tavares on Instagram in reaction to the Arsenal loanee’s performance in the Champions League against Sporting on Tuesday.
Marseille have now got their European campaign off and running. The Ligue 1 side went into their latest game off the back of two defeats – including one in North London.
But they were able to blow Sporting away at Stade Velodrome – largely thanks to an awful display of goalkeeping from Ruben Amorim’s men.
Gabriel and Lokonga post reaction to Nuno Tavares’ performance in the Champions League
Tavares did not get on the score sheet or contribute an assist in the 4-1 victory. But he certainly made a crucial impact on the game.
It was his burst through that led to Antonio Adan handling the ball outside his own penalty area and receiving a red card midway through the first-half.
Tavares was energetic throughout the contest down Marseille’s left flank. No player completed more dribbles than the 22-year-old, according to Whoscored. Meanwhile, he was way out in front for attempted dribbles, with a remarkable eight.
Of course, his loan spell has looked promising for some time. Tavares started with three goals in his first four top-flight appearances in France.
And he is continuing to make an impact now that the goals have dried up somewhat. Certainly, there is plenty of optimism about the player Arsenal will get back at the end of the Portuguese’s loan.
Tavares took to Instagram following the win. And amongst those to reply were Gabriel and Lokonga…
Mikel Arteta does not need to give it too much thought right now, but what he does with Tavares next summer is going to be very interesting.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has played a lot more at left-back than many probably expected.
Of course, he could move Zinchenko forward if he wants Tavares in the fold.
The good news for Arsenal is that the youngster is threatening to leave Arteta with a decision to make in the first place.