Arsenal 22-year-old told to ‘get his head right’ amid ‘big’ Granit Xhaka verdict – Campbell
Nuno Tavares “has to get his head right” for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Gunners and Everton striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Arteta cannot afford to play Granit Xhaka at left-back again.
Tavares, 22, was dropped for the visit of Brighton after he struggled at Crystal Palace five days earlier.
Xhaka moved to left-back in his absence as the Gunners slipped to a second consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
As quoted by Football.London (8 April), Arteta insisted “there is nothing personal“ with Tavares and stressed that the decisions he makes are to win football matches.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if Tavares’ confidence will be shot, Campbell said: “At the end of the day, the young lad is struggling for confidence.
“This is an issue for young players at big clubs. It is difficult to have someone play through it when you are going for something. You cannot take that risk.
“But it was also a big risk to play Xhaka there. It backfired because the team dipped again.
“Nuno has to get his head right for the manager to trust him again. Earlier on in the season he looked the business but after a spell of not playing he has not performed.
“He has struggled lately though so I don’t blame the manager for not playing him against Brighton.”
In other news, an expert has claimed Arsenal could sign a ‘better’ and ‘cheaper’ alternative to Dominic Calvert-Lewin after source’s update.