Matheus Nunes’ performance against Villarreal in 2-0 victory for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night — has sent fans into a frenzy across social media.
The Portuguese international, who joined the club from Wolves in 2023, has become one of Pep Guardiola’s most intriguing tactical experiments this season.
Once considered a creative midfielder, Nunes has now been repurposed as a right-back, a role he has embraced with growing confidence as the Sky Blues continue adapting to life after Kyle Walker’s departure.
Walker’s move to Burnley earlier this summer marked the end of an era for City’s backline. In his absence, Guardiola initially turned to Abdukodir Khusanov, a promising defender from Uzbekistan who arrived from RC Lens in January.
However, with Khusanov currently sidelined through injury, Guardiola has turned once again to Nunes — and the 27-year-old has responded emphatically.
Despite early doubts about his ability to function outside his natural midfield position, Nunes has gradually reinvented himself. His recent displays have shown both defensive discipline and attacking flair, making him one of City’s most improved players in recent weeks.
Guardiola, who famously hailed Nunes as the best midfielder in the world when he was still at Sporting Lisbon in 2022, now appears to have unlocked a new dimension in the player’s game. It’s a tactical twist that even the most optimistic City supporters didn’t see coming.
During his first season at the Etihad, Nunes often featured in advanced midfield roles as City claimed their fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
But with Walker struggling for form last season and eventually joining AC Milan on loan in January, Guardiola began experimenting — shifting Nunes between left-back and right-back in an effort to stabilise his defensive options.
That gamble initially produced mixed results. Nunes impressed in spells but also made costly mistakes, which drew frustration from sections of the fanbase.
His positional awareness and defensive instincts were frequently questioned, and speculation over his long-term future at the club surfaced during the summer transfer window.
Yet, since the start of the new campaign, the Portuguese star has looked transformed. His performances have exuded confidence, calmness and creativity from the back — helping City navigate a transitional period following a significant squad overhaul.
Fans hail Nunes after “10/10” week in blue
Nunes’ revival has not gone unnoticed. After scoring the decisive goal in City’s 2–1 league win over Burnley in September, he has kept his place in the starting XI and delivered consistently commanding performances.
His displays against Everton and Villarreal over the past week have been widely hailed as the best of his City career.
Against Villarreal, Nunes combined defensive awareness with attacking flair, contributing to both of City’s goals and snuffing out danger with composure.
He covered every blade of grass, operated with intelligence, and looked like a natural in a position that once appeared foreign to him.
Online, supporters were quick to shower him with praise. One fan, @LuisHill9, captured the mood perfectly:
“If he keeps it up we might have a cafu regen in the squad.”
Another, using the handle @Aurelius4Markus, echoed the same sentiment of admiration and respect, writing:
“Loving this. He’s got a good attitude and works hard. Well deserved.”
Similarly, @basil_the_regal added: “A proper baller, give him his flowers!”
Those comments reflect a shift in tone from the previous season, when criticism often outweighed appreciation.
The same supporters who questioned Nunes’ place in Guardiola’s plans are now heralding him as one of the team’s standout figures.
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City’s supporters have always been vocal — both in praise and criticism — and Matheus Nunes’ performance against Villarreal is a testament to resilience and adaptability.
From being labelled a misfit in midfield to becoming an indispensable part of City’s evolving backline, the turnaround has been remarkable.
His resurgence also comes at a crucial time for the club. With City aiming to chase down league leaders Arsenal, Guardiola will need every player operating at their peak.
Nunes’ form at right-back provides tactical flexibility and balance — something Guardiola values immensely.
