Think this is what we missed most against Spurs - someone who can just win the fucking ball in the middle. Lost count of how many 50/50s were suddenly 70/30s because Gundogan and Lewis were the closest lads in a blue shirt. Bet the Spurs lads couldn't believe their luck. Nunes might not be as graceful or intelligent on the ball but he can at least control a football and pass it and also run. Can't be any worse than Ilkay right now.
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27 | Matheus Nunes - 2024/25
- Thread starter Haaland94
- Start date
Think this is what we missed most against Spurs - someone who can just win the fucking ball in the middle. Lost count of how many 50/50s were suddenly 70/30s because Gundogan and Lewis were the closest lads in a blue shirt. Bet the Spurs lads couldn't believe their luck. Nunes might not be as graceful or intelligent on the ball but he can at least control a football and pass it and also run. Can't be any worse than Ilkay right now.
I don’t rate him however he has shown some improvement in the last month or so which makes it hard to understand why he has not at least been tried in the middle to see if he can bring some energy, legs and physicality to the party.
Extremely hard to understand how he doesn’t get a run in midfield these days. His pace and energy is exactly what we need right now. Seems like Pep really doesn’t rate him in midfield, which is worrying as he’s a midfielder
Pep wants control and thinks the only way to reduce the risk of transition is having more players on the pitch who are better on the ball. Shame is that this is only a theory as they are losing it in midfield anyway and can't win it back.
Can't really understand why we've kept Nunes this season if, as predicted by everyone, Pep won't play him in midfield. It's just been a waste.
shevtheblue
Well-Known Member
Maybe we give the lad a go in the middle, we really are missing legs which is something that Pep has said we don't need, but we clearly do at this moment. If he can be convinced to be less cavalier when not required, i think its a viable option at this point.
John Wayne
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 9 Mar 2007
- Messages
- 3,346
We haven’t seen any of this kind of thing from Gündoğan or Lewis this season. Sprinting back to win the ball near our box and ten seconds later winning a corner up the other end.
Get him in the team in midfield, he can’t do any worse.
That's a great bit of homework, sir.
You can't really argue against a case for Nunes to be played centrally. The lack of recovery pace from Gundogan, Lewis and Bernardo on Saturday was frankly embarrassing.
We need to tread water at the moment until January arrives, at which point you feel we need to make two midfield signings.
I've always thought Nunes is one of those players that when things are going well he can fit into a lot of sides because he does have a bit of skill and is mobile - however, in the run we are on I don't see him actually taking a game by the scruff of the neck. He also seems a little fragile mentality wise.
It's funny that Pep once said he would love a team with 10 midfielders in yet we get major injuries to our 2 best midfielders and any of the crop of available players seem incapable of dictating a match - like Madison did on Saturday I hate to say. I found it telling that Spurs players were saying they were able to rest and get into shape because we played so slowly in midfield, then counter easily - this for me has been our biggest issue since Rodri and Kev have been out and I'm not sure Nunes would change that.
Happy to be proved wrong at this stage though.
It's funny that Pep once said he would love a team with 10 midfielders in yet we get major injuries to our 2 best midfielders and any of the crop of available players seem incapable of dictating a match - like Madison did on Saturday I hate to say. I found it telling that Spurs players were saying they were able to rest and get into shape because we played so slowly in midfield, then counter easily - this for me has been our biggest issue since Rodri and Kev have been out and I'm not sure Nunes would change that.
Happy to be proved wrong at this stage though.
sir baconface
Well-Known Member
He’s desperate to establish himself and did show some grit in recent appearances.I've always thought Nunes is one of those players that when things are going well he can fit into a lot of sides because he does have a bit of skill and is mobile - however, in the run we are on I don't see him actually taking a game by the scruff of the neck. He also seems a little fragile mentality wise.
It's funny that Pep once said he would love a team with 10 midfielders in yet we get major injuries to our 2 best midfielders and any of the crop of available players seem incapable of dictating a match - like Madison did on Saturday I hate to say. I found it telling that Spurs players were saying they were able to rest and get into shape because we played so slowly in midfield, then counter easily - this for me has been our biggest issue since Rodri and Kev have been out and I'm not sure Nunes would change that.
Happy to be proved wrong at this stage though.
Might as well make some use of him while he’s here.
I've always thought Nunes is one of those players that when things are going well he can fit into a lot of sides because he does have a bit of skill and is mobile - however, in the run we are on I don't see him actually taking a game by the scruff of the neck. He also seems a little fragile mentality wise.
It's funny that Pep once said he would love a team with 10 midfielders in yet we get major injuries to our 2 best midfielders and any of the crop of available players seem incapable of dictating a match - like Madison did on Saturday I hate to say. I found it telling that Spurs players were saying they were able to rest and get into shape because we played so slowly in midfield, then counter easily - this for me has been our biggest issue since Rodri and Kev have been out and I'm not sure Nunes would change that.
Happy to be proved wrong at this stage though.
Personally would pair Nunes with Gundogan in a double pivot. Gundogan tasked with setting the play and all Nunes is needed for is legs & winning duels.
I like the lad, I think he is a good player a great no but a very useful lad to have around.
But is saying all that if he can't start a game in his natural position with the injuries and loss of form we have at this time, he needs to be moved on.
50m transfer and a big contract, he needs to be doing more.
But is saying all that if he can't start a game in his natural position with the injuries and loss of form we have at this time, he needs to be moved on.
50m transfer and a big contract, he needs to be doing more.