Matheus Nunes has potential to become one of world’s best right-backs says Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola believes Matheus Nunes (27) can establish himself as one of the best right-backs in world football after an impressive start to the season in his new role for Manchester City.

The 27-year-old, who joined from Wolves in 2023, initially struggled to secure a consistent place in City’s midfield. However, a positional switch, partly forced by injuries, has seen Nunes thrive in defence, offering Guardiola a dynamic option on the right flank.

Nunes’s defining moment may have come last season against Aston Villa, when his late winner proved crucial in City’s push for Champions League qualification. Now, as City prepare to face Villa again, Guardiola says the Brazilian is finally realising his potential.

“His goal against Villa helped us to be in the Champions League,” said Guardiola, speaking to the media. “He can be an incredible right-back. He’s a holding midfielder with incredible physicality, and he can become one of the best. It’s about him feeling it, he has special attributes to play on the sides.”

With a string of commanding performances in recent weeks, Nunes appears to have turned a difficult transition into an opportunity — one Guardiola believes could define the next stage of his career.

GFN | Finn Entwistle