Manchester City’s recent quarter-final victory over Bournemouth has led many to reconsider their initial doubts about Pep Guardiola’s tactical decisions, particularly regarding Matheus Nunes’ role in the squad.
The £53 million signing from Wolves has struggled to establish himself in central midfield or on the wing, prompting Guardiola to deploy him in an unconventional right-back role.
This experiment has been met with a mix of intrigue and skepticism, as Nunes’ inexperience in the position became evident. Against Bournemouth, his defensive frailties were exposed, leading to two costly mistakes that allowed the opposition to take the lead.
His first error came from a poor decision to play the ball centrally instead of opting for a safer pass down the line or back to the goalkeeper—an invitation for Bournemouth’s high press to capitalize and launch a quick counterattack.
His second lapse saw him lose track of Justin Kluivert’s movement at the back post, allowing the Dutch winger to finish off David Brooks’ pinpoint cross.
These errors highlighted Nunes’ struggles in his new role and cast doubt on his suitability as a right-back.
Guardiola has admitted that Nunes is not a natural defender but has praised his pace and attacking contributions.
His ability to stretch the play and support teammates in forward areas has been a valuable asset, and his willingness to adapt is commendable.
However, his defensive shortcomings remain a concern, leaving uncertainty over whether he can develop into a dependable option in the position.
