Matheus Nunes

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

Operating from second place in the Premier League with form reading WWWLD, Manchester City are navigating a demanding season where squad depth proves decisive. Enter Matheus Nunes—the 27-year-old Portuguese right-back wearing number 27 who has become an indispensable rotation option for Pep Guardiola. With 39 appearances and 3,147 minutes under his belt this campaign, Nunes has contributed 1 goal and 8 assists, quietly outperforming expectations for a squad player. His €45 million market value reflects a defender in his prime: technically sound with a 73 overall rating, he combines 70 defending intelligence with overlapping instincts that complement City's possession-heavy approach. Playing alongside elite teammates like Tijjani Reijnders (85) and Omar Marmoush (85), Nunes provides the tactical flexibility Guardiola demands—whether deputizing for first-choice options or anchoring the flank in high-rotation fixtures. His discipline is notable too: zero yellow or red cards across nearly 40 outings speaks to a player who understands his role within a star-studded collective. As City battle on multiple fronts, Nunes embodies the unsung reliability that separates champions from pretenders.