Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has named Chelsea's Mason Mount as his toughest ever opponent.
Tavares joined the Gunners last summer, signing from Benfica for a reported £6million. He got off to a stellar start for the Gunners, filling in well for first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney back in October, starring in wins against Leicester City and Aston Villa.
However, he struggled in the second half of the season when Tierney went down injured again, with manager Mikel Arteta substituting him early during losses against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace as his form took a dip. Now, the Portuguese Under-21 international has been speaking about his debut campaign in the Premier League, revealing English playmaker Mount as the toughest opponent he has faced thus far.
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"Mason Mount of Chelsea," he told the Counter Attack YouTube channel when asked about the player who has been his toughest challenge during his short career.
"I think the positions, he knows the place he should be to make people feel uncomfortable and with the ball he has too much quality. He has goals, you know, so I think Mason Mount."
Mount enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign with Chelsea, netting 13 goals and providing a further 13 assists across all competitions. And the former Derby loanee clashed with the aforementioned Tavares during the Gunners' 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge last month.
The Blues playmaker was spotted exchanging unpleasantries with the young left-back. Telling Tavares to: "Get the (expletive) up", a comment that typifies the fiery nature of the London derby.
