A Manchester City full-back just has to do a job for his team | OneFootball

Just when it seemed as if Abdukodir Khusanov was going to make the right-back position his own at Manchester City, injury struck. The young defender suffered a foot injury during City’s 1-all draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in September. Matheus Nunes replaced Khusanov on that day. The Portuguese international did his job well against Arsenal and has played well in his last two starts for Pep Guardiola’s side. Watching Matheus Nunes play lately, if he keeps it simple, he can be a vital player for his team.

Matheus Nunes has a key role to play for Manchester City this season.

Once Abdukodir Khusanov went down injured, it allowed Matheus Nunes an opportunity to start at right-back. Nunes started Manchester City’s wins over Burnley and Brentford. He played well in both of those games as he defended well and added an extra attacking threat when City had possession. Nunes scored Manchester City’s second goal in their 5-1 win over Burnley. He was also good in possession and did his job defensively. That is all that Matheus Nunes has to do for Manchester City.

Against Brentford, especially in the first half, Matheus Nunes combined superbly well with Oscar Bobb, Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden. Manchester City got at Brentford down Brentford’s left-hand side during the first half of their 1-nil win. Matheus Nunes played an important role in that performance. As Brentford got on top in the second half at the GTech Community Stadium, Matheus Nunes defended well and kept the errors out of his play. It was another polished performance from the Portuguese international.

The hope is that Matheus Nunes can continue to be a consistent player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The biggest knock on Matheus Nunes as a player is that his errors or his loss of concentration, which lead to errors, are detrimental to his team. We have seen that cost Pep Guardiola’s side on several occasions. But over his past two and a half performances, he has stuck to his task well and done all that his team has required. If Matheus Nunes can do that consistently, he is a valuable contributor for Manchester City. Given Manchester City’s right-back situation, Pep Guardiola needs Matheus Nunes to do a job for his team. Nunes is capable of doing just that, and it seems that he is determined to play a role for his team.

For me, the right-back position is Abdukodir Khusanov’s to lose at Manchester City. He looks to be the player who will become City’s first-choice right-back. Matheus Nunes has a role to play in the position when Pep Guardiola needs to rest Khusanov or wants a more attacking option at right-back. If Nunes can continue his strong recent form and limit his mistakes, he will be an important player for his team in a role where they need him to step up and fulfil.