We don’t need this hypothetical youngster to be world class. We just need them to be better (and more trustworthy) than Nuno.
If the club is smart they’ll be making arrangements to shore up that position. I think we’ve seen enough from Tierney to know that he’s a very good player but he’s hurt far too often. I don’t think they need to sell him immediately, but this is now three years in a row he’s had injury issues and iirc none of them have been impact injuries (i.e.: getting smashed in the face and missing a match or two).
Unlikely as it may seem based on last night’s evidence, I think Arteta needs to try to build up Nuno’s confidence and see whether he can still play a role. Tomiyasu doesn’t look close to returning and Xhaka at LB doesn’t seem like a feasible long term solution.
Nuno keeps getting thrown into difficult away environments against teams pressing like rabid dogs with the team around him not performing well (Liverpool, Forest, Palace). He had some good performances earlier in the season. He is raw but if he regains confidence I think he’s still our best LB option. Its a big risk but I think I might start him at home against Brighton and see whether we can get a decent performance out of him in a fixture much more conducive to him succeeding.
The news he’d been carrying the injury for a while explains why he hadn’t been so good lately.
He’s an outstanding left back when fully fit but clearly worn out at a young age.
Tavares was supposed to provide strong cover but has been an awful signing. The injuries really make the AMN sale look poor as he provided such great squad cover with his versatility.
Definitely an uphill battle now with Tierney, Tomi and Thomas all crocked at this key stage in the season.
