Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes has opened up on the positional changes that reshaped his career under Pep Guardiola, admitting he now feels comfortable playing virtually anywhere on the pitch.
The Portugal international spent much of the 2025/26 season operating at right-back despite establishing himself as a central midfielder throughout his professional career.
Rather than resisting the change, Nunes believes the experience has expanded his game and made him a more complete player.
Guardiola’s experiment changed everything
Speaking from Portugal’s World Cup training camp, Nunes explained that he no longer views himself as a specialist in one position.
After months of adapting to different tactical demands at Manchester City, versatility has become one of his biggest strengths.
“I feel I can play in many positions. I don’t have a preference.” — Matheus Nunes
The 27-year-old spent significant periods of last season filling in at right-back, where Guardiola valued his athleticism, ball-carrying ability and tactical intelligence.
It represented a major adjustment for a player who had previously built his reputation as a dynamic midfielder.
However, the experience appears to have broadened his understanding of the game.
Portugal also benefiting from his versatility
Guardiola is not the only coach making use of Nunes' flexibility.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has also deployed him in multiple positions, including defensive roles during international camps.
Nunes believes adaptability is now one of Portugal's greatest strengths heading into the World Cup.
The squad contains numerous players capable of performing different functions, giving Martínez valuable tactical flexibility throughout the tournament.
That ability to switch roles quickly could become crucial as Portugal attempt to win the first World Cup in the nation's history.
Brazil connection remains strong
Away from football, Nunes also reflected on the dual identity that continues to shape his career.
Born in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Portugal as a teenager, the Manchester City star remains deeply connected to Brazil.
He revealed that family, friends, music and culture continue to play an important role in his life.
| Matheus Nunes Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| National Team | Portugal |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Preferred Roles | Multiple positions |
| World Cup 2026 | Portugal squad |
The midfielder admitted choosing between Brazil and Portugal was one of the most difficult decisions of his career.
Ultimately, he felt Portugal offered him the footballing pathway that helped launch his professional journey.
Family divided over potential final
One of the most interesting revelations came when Nunes discussed the possibility of a Portugal-Brazil World Cup final.
The midfielder joked that his family would be split.
Relatives in Brazil would naturally support the Seleção, while his mother would firmly back Portugal, having strongly supported his decision to represent the European nation.
That scenario remains a distant possibility, but it highlights the unique position occupied by a player who still considers himself connected to both countries.
Journey from non-league football to Manchester City
Nunes also took time to reflect on his remarkable rise through the game.
Before reaching Manchester City, he played for non-league side Ericeirense and progressed through Portuguese football before earning moves to Sporting CP and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His journey is a reminder that elite careers do not always follow a traditional pathway.
Having followed his development across multiple clubs, determination and adaptability have consistently been central themes throughout his career.
The willingness to embrace Guardiola's positional experiment is simply the latest example.
Key Points
- Matheus Nunes says he can now play in multiple positions.
- Pep Guardiola regularly used him at right-back last season.
- Roberto Martínez has also experimented with him in defence.
- The Manchester City star remains closely connected to Brazil.
- Nunes believes versatility is one of Portugal's biggest strengths.
What's Next?
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign with high expectations and Nunes is expected to play an important role, regardless of where Martínez deploys him.
For Manchester City supporters, his comments provide further evidence that Guardiola's tactical experiment has been successful. What began as an emergency solution has evolved into a permanent expansion of the midfielder's skill set, potentially making him even more valuable for club and country moving forward.
Has Guardiola improved Matheus Nunes by making him more versatile, or would Manchester City benefit more from using him exclusively in midfield?
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