Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has been showered with compliments by Lazio owner Claudio Lotito after his bright debut for the Serie A club.
Tavares joined the Italian side on a season-long loan in July having fallen out of favour with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
The full-back signed for the Gunners from Benfica in 2021 for around £8million but spent the last two previous seasons on loan at Marseille and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The Portuguese defender endured a forgetful stint with Forest – making just 12 appearances in all competitions – but is hoping to get back to his best at Lazio.
Having picked up an injury in pre-season, Tavares made his debut before the international with an eye-catching display, notching up two assists as Lazio drew 2-2 with AC Milan.
The display has clearly caught the eye of the club’s owner Lotito who raved about the defender’s potential.
‘We have built a new team with potential suited to today’s football, be patient,’ he told Italian outlet Il Messaggero.
‘Ours is a real and strong group. We have many players called up by the national team , but I am convinced that all the new arrivals are also of a high level.
‘But have you seen what technique [Taty] Castellanos has? And now he has also made his debut with Argentina.
‘You always have to give the players time to settle in. Tavares is the same, have you seen what a player he is? And now you will also see [Samuel] Gigot.’
When announcing Tavares’ signing in the summer, Lazio confirmed the loan move comes with an obligation to buy if certain on-field conditions are met.
The fee is believed to be between €7-8million.
Lazio currently sit eighth in Serie A with one win from their first three games.