Manchester City’s recent quarter-final victory over Bournemouth has led many to reconsider their initial skepticism regarding Pep Guardiola’s tactical choices. One of the most intriguing developments from the match was the performance of Matheus Nunes, which has prompted a reassessment of his role in the squad. The Portuguese midfielder, who was signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a hefty £53 million, has struggled to cement his place in central midfield or on the wing. As a result, Guardiola has experimented by deploying him in the unconventional position of right-back.
This tactical decision has been met with both intrigue and doubt, as Nunes has little experience in the role. His defensive frailties were particularly evident against Bournemouth, where two costly errors on his part gifted the opposition a lead. His first mistake was a fundamental one: instead of opting for a safer pass along the touchline or back to his goalkeeper, he made a risky decision to play the ball into the congested midfield area. This miscalculation played directly into Bournemouth’s hands, allowing them to execute a swift and effective counterattack.
Nunes’ second major error was just as consequential. He failed to track the movement of Justin Kluivert at the far post, which allowed the Dutch winger to slip in unnoticed and convert a well-placed cross from David Brooks. These defensive lapses highlighted his lack of familiarity with the right-back role and raised valid concerns about his suitability for the position.
While Guardiola has openly acknowledged that Nunes is not a natural right-back, he has also commended the player for his physical attributes and attacking contributions. The Brazilian-born midfielder possesses significant pace and has demonstrated an ability to provide width and support in forward areas. His eagerness to adapt and willingness to embrace the challenges of a new role have also been noteworthy. However, despite these positives, his defensive shortcomings remain a pressing issue, leaving doubts about whether he can successfully transition into a dependable right-back.
Ultimately, the question remains whether Nunes can refine his defensive awareness and positional discipline to make himself a viable long-term option in this role. Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity is well-documented, and he has a track record of successfully repurposing players in unfamiliar positions. However, for Nunes to thrive in this experiment, he will need to address his defensive vulnerabilities and enhance his overall positional understanding. Until then, skepticism regarding his suitability for right-back is likely to persist, and Guardiola may have to reassess whether this positional shift is a viable long-term solution for both the player and the team.
