In Focus: City new boy Nunes ready to live up to Pep talk

Manchester City left it late in the transfer window to sign a player Pep Guardiola once described as "one of the best in the world".

Matheus Nunes arrived from Wolves in a £53million deal on deadline day and could make his debut against West Ham after the international break.

With competition and standards high at City, we take a look at what Nunes could offer the champions in midfield.

Ball carrier

The Portugal international had a relatively low-key season with Wolves after joining from Sporting in 2022.

But his performances early in the 2023-24 campaign gave an indication as to why Guardiola was so keen to sign the midfielder.

No player in the Premier League has completed more take-ons per 90 minutes than Nunes so far this season (5.53).

He also ranks fourth in the division for interceptions per 90 (3.02) and 15th for possessions won in the middle third per 90 (4.02).

Nunes' ability to drive forward with the ball in possession and press intelligently should make him a good fit in Guardiola's system.

Pep appeal

Even if the 25-year-old did not hit great heights at Wolves, he is likely to develop quickly at City.

He said: "The opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers ever, and alongside some of the best players in the world was something I simply couldn't turn down.

"I learned so much during my season at Wolves and I'm excited to continue improving in the Premier League, a division which brings the best out of me.

"I'm really excited to get going, meet the fans and hopefully be a part of plenty more success at City."

On top of the world

In February 2022, Guardiola made clear his admiration of then Sporting midfielder Nunes.

After City had beaten the Primeira Liga side in the Champions League, he said: "Sporting are a fantastic team. They move the ball well, they have fast and intelligent players.

"Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today."

Sporting sensation

That high praise may well have been justified.

Nunes was a standout performer in Portugal in 2021-22, playing for one of the division's top sides.

He ranked first for completed take-ons over the season (81) and fourth for possessions won in the middle third (123).

Nunes was also in the top ten for completed passes into the final third (333) and had an impressive passing accuracy of 86.2%.

Those numbers could be an indication of what to expect when he plays for the Premier League title favourites.

Key role

City will hope Nunes hits the ground running.

The new signing was an unused substitute in their 5-1 win over Fulham last time out.

But he could soon be playing a prominent role after the sale of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona and Kevin De Bruyne's injury.

Though he may not grab the headlines as a creator or goal scorer, Nunes may become another essential cog in arguably the best team the Premier League has ever seen.