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).

A volte, basta metterci la faccia  pic.twitter.com/eM5nQs9IjJ

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) September 13, 2026

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.”