Speaking on the All To Play For Podcast, Alan Smith has been discussing Arsenal and Nuno Tavares’s performance for the Gunners against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal struggled against Palace, there’s no denying it, and while there were some shocking performances on the day, arguably the worst player on the pitch was Tavares.
Smith was so unimpressed by Tavares’s showing that he claims that the Portuguese full-back may never be used at left-back again by Mikel Arteta.
What’s been said?
Smith gave a scathing review of Tavares.
“I did the Palace game on Monday, Tierney dropped out with an injury that will keep him out for the season and Tavares had another stinker. I don’t think they’ll use him again at left-back, so you’re talking about moving Cedric there or whatever and moving him across,” Smith said.
Harsh
This is an incredibly harsh point of view from Smith.
Yes, Tavares has been poor lately, but to completely write off a 22-year-old is ridiculous.
The full-back was excellent earlier this season when he covered for an injury to Tierney, and there was even talk of him keeping the Scot out of the starting XI.
Mikel Arteta won’t be impressed by Tavares’s recent showings, that’s for sure, but he’s a talented young player with a lot of room to grow.
Don’t be surprised if Tavares starts a number of games between now and the end of the season.
