After making an impressive start to life at Marseille, Nuno Tavares has set himself a major challenge – to become a goal scoring defender – and he’s doing it.

On loan from Arsenal until the end of the season, the Portuguese full-back has impressed with his attacking ability.

Despite sometimes being described as “nonchalant defensively”, Tavares has proven to be very effective offensively and is currently Marseille’s second top scorer with six league goals this season.

In fact, after scoring his first or second goal this season, Nuno Tavares made it his goal to become a goal-scoring defender.

It is reported in France that “this state of mind has been facilitated by OM’s system and style of play”, as he explained in an interview with Prime Video on Sunday evening.

“I put myself in mind that I was going to be a defender capable of scoring,” Tavares said.

“OM’s second top scorer? To be honest, after my first or second goal this season, I got it into my head that I was going to be a goal-scoring defender.

“It’s not usual in football, but I have that in my mind. This state of mind is facilitated by our system and our way of playing.”

Like last season with William Saliba, Marseille has once again recruited a player from Arsenal in the form of Nuno Tavares who quickly established himself as a strong player in Igor Tudor’s system.

Marseille’s highest goalscorer this season is Alexis Sanchez with 13 goals and one assist in 29 games. After signing a one-year contract in France, Alexis is keen to extend his time with the club.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Sánchez, 34, said, “I’m happy at Marseille and I want to continue here.”