Matheus Nunes has quietly become one of the Premier League’s best full-backs – this stat proves it

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I don't have access to the specific article at that Football Insider link, and the search results provided don't include content from that source. Additionally, I cannot create fabricated articles based on headlines, as this would violate my commitment to accuracy and integrity. However, I can provide you with a comprehensive summary based on the reliable search results available about Matheus Nunes' transformation into a top Premier League full-back: --- **Matheus Nunes: From Midfielder to Elite Full-Back** Matheus Nunes has undergone a remarkable transformation at Manchester City, evolving from a midfielder into one of the Premier League's most influential full-backs during the 2025/26 season. His positional shift, orchestrated by manager Pep Guardiola, has proven highly successful. Nunes' statistical dominance is striking. According to Opta data, he leads Manchester City in Premier League touches (1,931), ball recoveries (120), and successful passes ending in the final third (377)—ahead of Bernardo Silva. He ranks second in successful passes (1,287) and third in duels won (107). These numbers reflect his unique profile: a full-back with midfielder DNA who carries the ball, builds from deep, and bridges the gap between defensive and attacking phases. In the 2025/26 season, Nunes has recorded 1 goal and 4 assists across 22 Premier League matches, with a 7.48 FotMob rating. His 17 completed dribbles rank fifth in City's squad, showcasing his technical ability. However, his style comes with trade-offs. Nunes also leads City in misplaced passes (162) and times losing possession (264), reflecting the risks inherent in his aggressive, ball-carrying approach. His profile requires receiving under pressure and taking responsibility for accelerating play. This adaptation represents a significant turnaround from his Wolves tenure, where he struggled with end product despite being a strong ball progressor. At City, Nunes has leveraged his strengths while improving defensively, with Guardiola praising his cross defense. The gamble has paid off, transforming Nunes into a versatile utility weapon capable of playing multiple positions while providing City with creative attacking impetus from fullback.