From Midfielder to Key Full-Back: Matheus Nunes' Reinvention Could Shape Portugal's World Cup
Guardiola turned a misfit midfielder into one of Europe's best full-backs — and Portugal are reaping the rewards.
Guardiola saw something others didn't — and now Matheus Nunes is one of City's most important players heading into a World Cup summer.
Matheus Nunes arrived at Manchester City as a midfielder. He'll be heading to the 2026 World Cup as one of the most dynamic full-backs in European football — a transformation that speaks volumes about both player and coach.
After struggling to nail down a midfield role in Guardiola's rigidly structured system, Nunes was reinvented at right-back. The idea was simple: a defensive midfielder with elite physicality and ball-carrying ability could be the perfect modern full-back. Guardiola backed the experiment, even through some rocky early patches.
It paid off. This season, Nunes leads all Manchester City players with 1,931 Premier League touches — a stat that tells the whole story. He's not just a full-back; he's a key cog in City's build-up play.
For Roberto Martínez, it's a welcome headache. A player who can dominate possession, press high, and carry the ball into dangerous areas is exactly what Portugal need — and Nunes is now knocking firmly on the door of a World Cup starting spot.
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