Matheus Nunes recently revealed his deep admiration for former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Following Gundogan’s remarkable contribution in leading City to a treble victory last season, the German transferred to Barcelona as a free agent in June, leaving a void in the Etihad Stadium.
Now a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad, Nunes openly praised the former City captain, emphasizing Gundogan’s exceptional foresight and skill on the field. In a video posted on the club’s official YouTube page, Nunes expressed how he watched and studied Gundogan’s playing style by watching YouTube videos. The Portuguese international highlighted Gundogan’s ability to anticipate and plan his moves even before the ball comes into contact with his foot.
Gundogan’s departure from Manchester City was a significant loss for the club, as he had showcased his brilliance over the years, contributing immensely to the team’s success. His departure was surprising, especially given Guardiola’s high regard for him as an “exceptional” player, as expressed in his remarks back in April. This departure left both Guardiola and numerous City fans disappointed, as they had hoped Gundogan would extend his stay and continue contributing to the club’s accomplishments.
Gundogan’s tenure at City was illustrious, during which he scored an impressive 60 goals and provided 40 assists in 304 appearances across various competitions, playing a pivotal role in winning multiple trophies, including five Premier League titles. His departure marked the end of an era for the club, leaving a challenge for someone like Nunes to step up and fill his shoes.
For Nunes, the aspiration is to replicate Gundogan’s level of productivity and success at Manchester City. The young midfielder aims to make a substantial impact for the team, hoping to achieve similar heights to the former City great. As he settles into his role at City, he seeks to embody the qualities and skills that made Gundogan such a formidable force on the pitch.
