Gattuso sees Tavares as 'a player of Real Madrid level'

Gennaro Gattuso believes Lazio defender Nuno Tavares is "a player of Real Madrid level".

Lazio have made a strong start to Serie A winning 10 points from four games so far.

Gattuso's side, who were on the wrong end of a Coppa Italia shock against Mantova, started their league campaign with wins over Bologna, Genoa and Udinese.

They were then held to a 2-2 draw by AC Milan over the weekend, despite taking a 2-0 lead at Stadio Olimpico.

In the draw with the Rossoneri, Tavares led his Lazio team-mates in touches (62), passes in the final third (12), crosses (seven) and won five of his eight duels.

So far in the 2026-27 Serie A campaign, Tavares leads Lazio in duels won (19 – level with Mattia Zaccagni), crosses (19), completed dribbles (six) and progressive carries (31).

He also ranks second for possession won (17), with only Reda Belahyane doing so more often (19).

Tavares joined Lazio on an initial loan deal in 2024-25 from Arsenal before making the move permanent, with the 26-year-old failing to cement himself in the Gunners' line-up.

Despite his struggles in England, which included an underwhelming loan with Nottingham Forest, Gattuso claimed Tavares could have had a long career with Real Madrid.

"I have always said that Nuno Tavares was a player of Real Madrid level," the Lazio boss told DAZN Italia.

"He's gifted with both feet and fast; he's an atypical player. But you understand that after the match, he needs time to recover.

"In a team, you can afford to have one or two like him, but he's a good lad with enormous talent.

"He knows he's an exceptional player. He could very well have spent ten years at Real Madrid thanks to his qualities."