Pep: Nunes can become an incredible right-back | OneFootball

City boss Pep Guardiola says Matheus Nunes possesses all the attributes needed to become an ‘incredible right-back.’

Though having originally made the move to City as a powerful midfielder operator, the Portuguese international was first deployed at right-back by Guardiola last season to impressive effect.

Following the summer departure of Kyle Walker to Burnley, if anything, Nunes’ impact in the position has only been further heightened this term.

The 27-year-old’s most recent eye-catching performances in the role came during last Saturday’s 2-0 league win over Everton and our subsequent 2-0 midweek Champions League success at Villarreal.

VILLA v CITY | MATCH PREVIEW

For his part, addressing the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of our latest league trip to Aston Villa, the City boss insisted that Nunes possessed all the qualities needed to shine in the role on a long-term basis.

“He can be an incredible right-back,” Guardiola declared.

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

WATCH: Watch: City's last 10 away goals at Aston Villa

“It’s a question of him now as we talk a lot about that. It’s just change your mind and feel that [you can be there].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Though City have lost our last two league visits to Villa Park, Guardiola’s side will travel to the Midlands on Sunday on the back of a fine unbeaten run that now stretches to nine games across all competitions.

From having lost two of our first three league games, that superb form has lifted City up into second place in the Premier League table.

For many observers however, City look to be flying under the radar with much of the attention and focus instead being trained on champions Liverpool and leaders Arsenal.

For his part however, Guardiola said he was not getting carried away and was instead focused on the bigger picture.

WATCH: Brief highlights: City 2-0 Everton

“I know the pundits and specialists and the former players know what will happen after five games. I'm not able to do that,” Pep added.

“The first two or three games we were out and now it looks like Liverpool is already done but I tell you they will be back.

“Always you wait 10-15 games to know exactly what's going on.

“Obviously Liverpool and Arsenal will be there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there too. ”