A perceived weakness in this Manchester City squad has become a strength thanks to one player | OneFootball

When last summer’s transfer window closed it did seem that the right-back position could be a concern for Manchester City. City entered this season with Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis and seemingly John Stones as the players who play the right-back position. Earlier this season we saw Abdukodir Khusanov play well at right-back. But injury set Khusanov back when he seemed poised to slot in at right-back. From the moment that Khusanov was injured against Arsenal in September, Matheus Nunes has made the right-back position his own. In the process, he has made a position that seemed to be a weakness become a strength for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Matheus Nunes embraced the challenge of playing at right-back and is now a key player for Manchester City.

Matheus Nunes arrived at Manchester City from Wolves as a midfielder. It seemed that the Portuguese international would fill a hole in Manchester City’s midfield. But as Matheus Nunes grew into life at City he wasn’t selected in midfield. Last season he played on a wing before moving to right-back. Playing at right-back has allowed Matheus Nunes to grow and shine. The delivery from out wide from Nunes is superb. He has become an attacking weapon for Pep Guardiola’s side. Defensively, his pace is crucial to Manchester City’s defence. Although Nunes can make mistakes, every strength in his game makes him a more than serviceable right-back. It is a credit to Nunes that he embraced playing in a new role and his reward for that is that he is now an important player at Manchester City.

Matheus Nunes is relishing a new role.

In an interview with mancity.com, Matheus Nunes has spoken about the challenge of playing at right-back. He added that he is enjoying playing the position. Speaking on playing at right-back, Matheus Nunes said: “I enjoy it (playing at right-back). In a football perspective, it’s so different to playing in midfield.”

“Nowadays, I think it’s one of the hardest positions to play because you face the best players in every team as a full-back.“

“The defensive work I need to do now is so much different compared to the work I needed to do as a midfielder. That’s something I really enjoy – the difference.“

“I have to be focused all the time, I have to be looking at the line, cover support to the wing and also cover the centre-backs.“

“As a full-back here, I can play wide, in the pocket, in centre-back or as a holding midfielder – this variety is something I enjoy and appreciate.”

“It also makes me grow even more. Things can change during the game and there’s a lot of things that are different compared to playing as a midfielder. I enjoy it.”

The rise of Matheus Nunes means that City don’t need to find a stop-gap measure at right-back.

A position that seemed to be a concern for Manchester City has now become a strength due to the superb play of Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international has improved drastically this season. He has become a consistent performer for his team and alongside Nico O’Reilly, the full-back positions have become a strength of this Manchester City side. The impressive form of Matheus Nunes also helps with the squad building process at City.

Due to the strong play of Matheus Nunes, Manchester City do not need to find a stop-gap measure at right-back in the January transfer window. A perceived weakness in Pep Guardiola’s side is no longer that. Instead, City can bide their time and plot a move for their preferred right-back target which is seemingly Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento. Manchester City can take their time in signing a new full-back thanks to the rise of Matheus Nunes this season. That is a credit to Nunes as City know they have a proven right-back in Matheus Nunes in their ranks.

Final thoughts.

Matheus Nunes has grown as a player this season. What seemed to be a weakness in this City team is now a valuable weapon for Pep Guardiola’s side. Matheus Nunes has become an important player for City and he deserves a tonne of credit for his improvement. His rise also helps City plan for the future. All told, Matheus Nunes is helping his team both on and off the pitch.