Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has showered praise on Matheus Nunes, applauding the Portuguese star’s outstanding performances at right-back in recent weeks.
The 27-year-old, who joined City from Wolves in the summer of 2023, appears to have found his rhythm in the team and is currently enjoying one of his best spells since arriving at the Etihad Stadium. With City lacking a natural right-back following the departure of Kyle Walker, Nunes has stepped into the role with confidence and consistency, becoming an integral part of Guardiola’s defensive setup.
Guardiola’s side has been in impressive form lately, remaining unbeaten in all competitions since the end of August. This strong run has seen them rise to second place in the Premier League after eight matches, while also making a solid start to their UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Manchester club, which made seven new signings during the most recent transfer window, seems to be rediscovering its trademark dominance and fluidity after a challenging previous season.
During the summer, Manchester City had actively explored the transfer market for a new right-back following Walker’s move to Burnley after his loan spell at AC Milan. Players such as Newcastle United’s Valentino Livramento and AS Roma’s Wesley França were on the club’s radar. However, City’s recruitment team, led by newly appointed director of football Hugo Viana, ultimately decided against making a signing in that position.
Financial considerations and the belief that the squad already possessed players capable of covering the role influenced the decision. The likes of Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes were all seen as viable options for the right-back spot.
Nunes, in particular, has seized this opportunity to establish himself as a dependable player in an unfamiliar role. Guardiola spoke highly of the Portuguese midfielder’s adaptability and physical strength, suggesting that he has the potential to become one of the best right-backs in the league if he continues to develop the right mindset. “He can be an incredible right-back,” Guardiola said in his Friday press conference. “Because he’s a holding midfielder with incredible physicality going back – and as much as he’s focused – he can become one of the best.
It’s a question of him now, we talked a lot about that. It’s just about changing your mind and believing you can do it because he has special attributes to play in that position. In the last two or three games, he has played unbelievable.”
With Guardiola’s faith in him growing stronger, Nunes is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup for City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
As the Blues continue their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal, who currently sit three points ahead, Nunes’s emergence as a reliable right-back could prove vital in City’s title challenge this season.
