Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares has been named Marseille’s Player of the Month for August after his strong early form with the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille confirmed on Thursday that Nuno Tavares has won their Player of the Month award for August. The 22-year-old certainly had a strong opening month with his new club, scoring three goals in five August matches, four of which they won.

“I feel really good and grateful for [the fans] choosing me for the Player of the Month of August,” Tavares said.

“I didn’t expect from the first games the support I had, I think it’s really helped me to improve and go forward. I think I did a good job and I will try to be the same for all of the season.

“Thank you a lot, it means a lot, for me. I’m really happy, doing well, so I think it’s a step forward to win.”

With six wins and one draw in their opening seven matches, Marseille’s Ligue 1 record is only better by PSG on goal difference. With Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe in top form, it’s hard for anyone to keep up with their goal output.

Though this league form contrasts heavily with Marseille’s Champions League form, where they’ve lost consecutive games to Spurs and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Tavares has started all but two of Marseille’s opening nine matches in all competitions, and he played 45 minutes and 62 minutes in the two games where he was a substitute.

The Ligue 1 side evidently consider the Portugal u21 international a key part of their side, which is particularly encouraging while they’re performing so well.

The loan looks like a successful one so far, but there’s plenty of time left in the season for him to maintain this start.