Manchester City's right-back situation is in flux after Kyle Walker's departure. While Rico Lewis initially impressed, fatigue has led to Matheus Nunes being deployed as a makeshift full-back. His performance has been inconsistent, displaying both promise and vulnerability. Pep Guardiola acknowledges Nunes' temporary nature but sees potential in his pace and attacking contributions. The upcoming matches against strong opponents will test Nunes' defensive abilities and City's decision to delay a permanent replacement.
Manchester City have undoubtedly encountered a weakness at the right-back position following the departure of club captain Kyle Walker in January. While Rico Lewis had performed admirably enough to keep Walker sidelined, the cumulative strain of consecutive matches has taken its toll, prompting a shift towards makeshift full-back Matheus Nunes to address the right-back dilemma for Pep Guardiola . Nunes' six consecutive starts for City have yielded a mixed bag of results.
Certain games, punctuated by notable errors, expose his inexperience in the full-back role. Just when it seems he has recovered from his mistakes against Manchester United, he ventures into risky tackles against Club Brugge or PSG. However, there are moments when Nunes shines, seamlessly transitioning into midfield with a fluidity surpassing both Lewis and Walker. City are acutely aware that Nunes serves as a temporary solution, but with Lewis granted a respite from the intense spotlight, he remains their primary option until a potential surprise arrival before the January transfer deadline. Guardiola, when questioned about Nunes' long-term position, offered a cryptic hint, 'Well, it could be temporary, but of course for the problems that we have, the players, they have something, a pace that we don't have.' He continued, 'It's not a natural position, but as a player he's tried to make it a lot, and he helps us offensively and defensively as well. In some departments he's helping us and learning a lot. Yeah, it's a potential.' The manager then added, 'His pace, the hard kick he can play on the sides, absolutely can do it. It's quite courageous for him to do that, because obviously he's up against fantastic players.' Guardiola concluded, 'I would say that Matheus, with all the players who want to play, it doesn't matter which position, but of course every player has his own position and feels more comfortable, but I'm not complaining on that.' Guardiola's remarks suggest that Nunes will continue to operate in this position for the foreseeable future, even if he occasionally lapses into defensive vulnerability or gets caught out of position. With formidable opponents like Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Liverpool on the horizon, Nunes' defensive capabilities will be thoroughly tested. The decision to let Walker depart while awaiting a summer replacement will also be scrutinized.
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