Matheus Nunes Making Waves at Manchester City Amid Injury Crisis
Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes has seized the spotlight at the Etihad, proving his worth to manager Pep Guardiola as he steps up during an injury-laden season. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £53 million, has capitalized on recent absences of stars like Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, cementing his place in Guardiola’s plans, insiders at GIVEMESPORT report.
Since arriving at City, Nunes faced tough competition for minutes. Yet, with multiple players sidelined, he’s found himself at the center of the action, notching three goals, including a recent strike during City’s Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham, alongside four assists over 11 appearances. Nunes’ determination to shine has fueled his drive to secure a consistent role in the squad.
Guardiola’s New Go-To Player
The 26-year-old midfielder has quickly earned Guardiola’s trust, displaying versatility and professionalism that have won over both the manager and his teammates. Sources reveal that Guardiola appreciates Nunes’ adaptability, especially since the central midfielder has been covering on the left flank—well outside his usual position. His ability to execute Guardiola’s strategic instructions with precision has solidified his growing importance within the squad.
During his debut season, Nunes logged just 654 minutes of Premier League action, but this year he’s made a strong case for more. While his statistics are impressive, they tell only part of the story; his work rate and team-first approach have won the respect of City’s coaching staff, who recognize his potential to contribute in multiple roles.
Comparing Nunes and Grealish: Who Leads?
A side-by-side look at key stats reveals Nunes’ on-pitch impact:
- Pass Completion: Nunes boasts an 86.2% success rate, edging out Grealish’s 85.1%.
- Shot-Creating Actions: Although Grealish leads with 6.84 per 90, Nunes is close behind at 6.15.
- Crosses: Nunes excels here, delivering 5.38 per match to Grealish’s 3.42.
- Assists: Nunes has been prolific, with 1.54 assists per game—significantly ahead of Grealish’s 0.26.
Keeping Nunes or Cashing In? City’s Dilemma
Nunes’ newfound prominence has stirred conversations among City’s decision-makers. His performance during this critical period could be pivotal in shaping his future at the club. While whispers of a potential transfer to Atletico Madrid circulated during the summer, the move didn’t materialize. Now, as Nunes demonstrates his value, City’s management may rethink their stance on whether to retain or sell him when the transfer window opens.
With nearly four years remaining on his contract, which reportedly earns him £130,000 per week, Manchester City holds the upper hand in any potential negotiations. Yet, the ongoing injury issues have presented Nunes with a unique opportunity to solidify his place at the Etihad and remind Guardiola of his value—even when the squad is back to full strength.
The Defining Moment for Matheus Nunes
As the season progresses, Nunes’ sustained impact could be the key to securing his future in Manchester. While the club initially questioned his long-term role, his recent performances have clearly shown he has what it takes to be a lasting asset at City.
