Man City Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has left Manchester City this evening to join one of the biggest clubs in world football! For £100m

Manchester City’s latest quarter-final victory over Bournemouth has led some to reconsider their earlier skepticism regarding Pep Guardiola’s tactical expertise. In particular, Matheus Nunes’ display has drawn attention, prompting a reassessment of his place in the squad. The £53m acquisition from Wolves has struggled to establish himself in central midfield and on the wing, leading Guardiola to test him in the unconventional role of right-back.

This move has been met with a blend of intrigue and doubt, as Nunes’ unfamiliarity with the position has been evident. Against Bournemouth, his defensive weaknesses were starkly exposed, with two significant errors gifting the opposition the advantage. The first mistake was a basic one, as Nunes bypassed the safer options of playing the ball down the flank or back to his goalkeeper, instead choosing to send it into the perilous center of the pitch.

This risky decision played perfectly into the hands of Bournemouth’s aggressive pressing, allowing them to exploit the mistake and mount a rapid counterattack. The second error was just as costly, as Nunes failed to track Justin Kluivert’s movement at the back post, giving the Dutch winger the opportunity to capitalize on David Brooks’ precise cross. These blunders highlighted Nunes’ inexperience in the role and cast doubt on his suitability for the position.

Guardiola has admitted that Nunes is not a natural right-back but has commended his speed and attacking contributions. The Brazilian’s ability to stretch the play and support his teammates has been a valuable asset, and his eagerness to adapt and learn the role has been admirable. However, his defensive shortcomings remain a concern, and it is uncertain whether he can address these weaknesses and secure himself as a dependable option in the position.