27 | Matheus Nunes - 2025/26

I’m so chuffed for him. He’s learning a new role on the job, but he’s an athlete.. has recovery pace and understandably not as naturally defensive minded as Walker, one thing he kills him at is crosses, every time he’s in the final third I think fire it in lad. Was thinking it before the faint today, then bang, goal! Has a great delivery.
 
We just need a bit more patience to allow players to develop.
The list of players derided is as long as your arm, yet most have gone on to become champions.
When you treat the development journey as a pleasure, it gives a wholly different perspective.
O'Reilly, Doku, Savinho, Cherki, Gonzalez - all young players of genuine talent.
Haaland, Gvardiol, Foden = young, developing players who are already world-class.
 
They also thought Kovacic was able to cover for Rodri..

Kovacic is not even 20% of the DM Nico is and the evidence is clear as day.. but people have agendas to push!
It seems like you're still pushing your anti-Kovacic agenda.

Kovacic isn't a DM and wasn't bought as one. Did his best at it last year, out of necessity, and helped us get top 4 but he isn't and never has been a DM. He is, however, an excellent CM player.
 
Last edited:
I must admit I didn’t see this transformation happening at right-back. I’ve always thought he’s more to offer somewhere within the set-up, but as a right-back capable of putting in a performance as accomplished as that in a big game against a Liverpool, I really didn’t see it.

He looks stronger, more physical in those 1-2-1 duels, better in the air, more switched on to actually being a defender, in possession I was more confident and he looks really good there and a threat with his balls into the box.

Unbelievable switch if he can find this level of performance on a consistent basis.
 
At the time he would of probably of hated playing there especially after Peps comments, but you can see the hard work is starting to show.

It's also helping him that his performances could end up with him becoming first choice for the Portugal national team at the World Cup when he might not of made it in his actual position.
 
Not his biggest fan but have to hold my hands up and say he has certainly has gradually improved over recent weeks. Not convinced he is the final solution but certainly holding his own at the moment
 
Piece of piss this scouting malarkey.

View attachment 174504

Good call. But it was kinda clear Nunes can do a job there, given that Pep played Rico at RB. Nunes suits that role better due to things you pointed out.

The good thing is, Nunes is not just doing a job at RB. He has been excellent, and maybe since February rather than September.
 
Was impressed by aspects of his game last season, mainly pace and athleticism, but it couldn't have been easier being asked to play there - he came in at a time we were regularly swapping keepers and had Khusanov alongside him a few hours after getting off a plane.

He improved as the defence became more settled and we're seeing better from him this season with Dias regularly alongside and a pretty settled back four. For games like today, I would have previously preferred Khusanov for his defensive ability, but game after game, Nunes is looking better and better to the point I'm expecting him to start.

I'm not sure there's another right back in the PL I'd swap him for at the moment
Ah, I'm not alone then : )
 
Played some absolute blinders this month hope it continues as he is looking the part.
I think he has got to grips with the defensive requirements since he first took on the task. Pep, like Cruyff and Michels, wants players who can play football. I think this is why he used Johnny Stones as a CB cum midfielder, and both our fullbacks now, have played for years in the midfield. Nico O'Reilly has been superb and as you say over the last handful of games Nunes has been very strong at both ends of the pitch. The cross yesterday for Haaland was excellent, he seemed to know that the far post cross was gonna be more profitable.
 

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top