Pep Guardiola says ‘nobody can stop’ Man City star ‘as fast as Erling Haaland’ | OneFootball

Citizens smashed Sparta Prague 5-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for midfielder Matheus Nunes following his side’s 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague in the Champions League.

The Portugal international scored a late penalty to complete the rout having already provided two assists as City moved into the top three of new-look European league table.

Nunes arrived from Wolves last summer for a fee believed to have been worth around £53m but struggled to break into the first-team fold, such are the wealth of options available to Guardiola.

Still, the versatile 26-year-old has spoken of his desire to replace the injured Rodri in City’s midfield and Guardiola was delighted with his impact on Wednesday night, albeit from a more attacking position.

“He's a lovely guy,” said Guardiola.

“He has a specific quality. If you can run in transition, he's as fast as Erling [Haaland].

Matheus Nunes played a big part of Man City’s win over Sparta Prague

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

"It's unbelievable, when he runs for 30, 40 metres nobody can stop him. That's why we need him. He can play in many roles, his generosity defensively.

"The only problem he has is just one - his manager maybe doesn't give him the minutes he deserves. But he's ready and can help us. It's important to have him.

"Both wingers, Matheus and Savinho (who also contributed an assist), played really, really good."

Nunes will be hoping to feature from the start on Saturday as City host Southampton in the Premier League, given recent injuries to Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku.

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