Pep Guardiola Sees Matheus Nunes as Potential Star Right-Back

Manchester City's manager believes Nunes could become an "incredible" right-back, citing the player's physicality and adaptability. Nunes, a 27-year-old midfielder, has started the last three games after Kyle Walker's departure and John Stones' fitness issues. Guardiola thinks Nunes has the potential to become one of the best right-backs, but it's a matter of convincing him to play the position. City's improvement has seen them rise to second in the Premier League, but Guardiola notes they need to maintain consistency for the full 90 minutes.

Key Takeaways:

• Matheus Nunes, a 27-year-old midfielder, has started the last three games for Manchester City at right-back, filling the void left by Kyle Walker's departure.
• Pep Guardiola believes Nunes has the potential to become an "incredible" right-back due to his physicality, adaptability, and focus.
• Nunes scored a late winner against Aston Villa in their last meeting in April, a result that helped City secure third place in the 2023-24 campaign.
• City have won nine games in a row since their two losses to Tottenham and Brighton in August, moving them to within three points of leaders Arsenal.
• Guardiola notes that City still need to work on maintaining consistency for the full 90 minutes, but their momentum and mentality are in the right direction.
• Despite Liverpool's three consecutive losses, Guardiola believes they will bounce back and remain a contender, along with Arsenal.

Statistics:

• Manchester City have nine consecutive wins in all competitions since their back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton in August.
• City are within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
• Matheus Nunes has started the last three games for Manchester City at right-back.
• City's last meeting against Aston Villa in April saw Nunes score the winning goal.
• Pep Guardiola believes Nunes could become one of the best right-backs in the league.

Sources:

• "Man City's Matheus Nunes" by Pep Guardiola, City website, no date provided.
• "Aston Villa v Manchester City: Match report" by City website, April 2024.
• "Liverpool v Manchester City: Match report" by City website, August 2024.