It has always appeared that Matheus Nunes has needed a moment or a dominant performance to establish himself as a Manchester City player. His talent has never been in question. It has always appeared to be a matter of when either moment would arrive from Nunes in a City shirt. This week has seen both occur for the Portuguese international. The question now appears to be has Nunes finally arrived as a Manchester City player?
Matheus Nunes provided a crucial moment in City’s last minute win over Wolves at Molineux last Sunday. It was his tracking back and challenge that won the ball deep in City’s half which led to City’s match winning corner at Molineux. That looked to be a big moment in the City career of Matheus Nunes. He followed that up with a man-of-the-match performance against Sparta Prague last night.
Nunes lined up on the left wing at the Etihad last night. The dribbling ability of Nunes and his technical ability was on full display during City’s 5-nil win over Sparta Prague. The Portuguese international picked up two assists as he set up goals for Erling Haaland and John Stones. He also won and converted a late spot kick to grab a goal in a dominant display. Matheus Nunes looked every bit a Manchester City player last night and for me he has finally arrived as a City player.
Going forward that is fantastic news for the world champions. Nunes adds something different to the world champions squad. His speed and directness in possession, dribbling ability and his all round game is different to that of any other Manchester City player. If he can build on his last two performances he will become a valuable weapon for Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City are currently suffering a mini injury crisis. Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Oscar Bobb and Rodri are all out or recovering from injuries. That is a blow for the world champions. But those injuries have now given Matheus Nunes the opportunity he needs to show what he adds to Pep Guardiola’s side. Last night’s performance from Nunes showed that he is more than up for a more prominent role in City’s squad. Now it’s up to him to seize it. But the early signs are that he is ready to do just that.
Speaking post game Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the performance of Matheus Nunes. The City manager made a point of highlighting the attributes of Nunes’ game. He also said that the Portuguese international needs more minutes to shine. Speaking post game Guardiola said: “He was really good – when he scored a goal, you can see how happy his team-mates are. He is incredibly beloved and he is a lovely guy. He has a specific quality. In transitions, he is as fast as Erling. When he runs for 30-40 metres, no one can stop him. He has a special quality that we don’t have. That’s why we need him and he can play in many roles. The only problem he has is one, his manager doesn’t give him the minutes he deserves. He’s ready always and he can help us. With the circumstances we have now, with 15 players plus goalkeepers available, it’s important to have him.”
Matheus Nunes has made a mark this week for Manchester City. It has arguably been his most impactful week as a Manchester City player. He now looks to have arrived as a City player. Nunes will be needed over the coming weeks. Based on his past week he is now more than ready to have a more prominent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
