Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that much like Kevin De Bruyne, Matheus Nunes is an adept carrier of the ball.
Speaking after the treble-winners’ 3-1 win against Red Star Belgrade (via City’s official website), the Spaniard gave his views on the Portuguese midfielder’s first start for the club.
Pep Guardiola likened Matheus Nunes’ ball-carrying ability to Kevin De Bruyne, which is as big as compliments go.
Pep Guardiola compares Matheus Nunes to Kevin De Bruyne
The 25-year-old shone for City on Tuesday night, driving forward with the ball glued to his feet, linking play sublimely in the final third and showcasing his quick feet.
Considering Nunes’ underwhelming spell at Wolves, it was a surprise to see how ready he looked in sky blue during his first start for the club.
After Manchester City beat Red Star Belgrade, Pep Guardiola pinpointed an area in which Matheus Nunes is similar to Kevin De Bruyne.
“Matheus played for the first game, not much time. He] has this special quality like when you leave it with Mateo [Kovacic] or Kevin [De Bruyne] when he can start having the ball, it’s unstoppable”, he said.
“But [he] needs time still to improve and believe that he can do more than sometimes he does. But yeah, really pleased for the game he played.”
Matheus Nunes instantly looks like the perfect partner for Rodri
If Matheus Nunes can add as much explosiveness to his ball-carrying as Kevin De Bruyne possesses alongside honing his first touch, Pep Guardiola would have an absolute gem on his hands.
However, judging by his first start for City, Nunes perhaps seems more suited to partnering Rodri than Kovacic.
This is not to suggest Mateo Kovacic has been poor in any way, shape or form for the English juggernaut but he lacks the impact in the final third and industry that Matheus Nunes brings to the table.
If the former Wolves midfielder maintains such a high standard going forward, he may well become a nailed-on starter for Guardiola, as it looks the decision to sign him over Eze was made for a reason.
