How dynamic Matheus Nunes is the key to Liverpool's rebirth

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 18 Jan 2023 09:36 GMT
• 4 min read

As we revealed earlier this week, Matheus Nunes is liked by Liverpool and could be brought in during the summer window - but what qualities can the midfielder offer Jurgen Klopp?

Indeed, in our piece - which was yesterday affirmed by Paul Joyce of The Times - we stated that Liverpool hope to bring in Jude Bellingham as well as another major signing for central midfield for the next transfer window, while they continue work behind the scenes for a low-cost youngster this January to fill in there as well.

Nunes was watched by a string of clubs while he was at Sporting Lisbon, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also keen at the time, we heard. But it was Wolves who pulled the trigger first and brought in the 24-year-old for a club-record transfer worth €45m.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s transfer plan to revolutionise their midfield this summer

Despite the club’s dour form this season, Nunes, who was considered the Primeira Liga’s best player last campaign, has maintained his brilliant form in the Premier League and has been a standout player for the Midlands side.

He has been playing in the holding midfield position under Julen Lopetegui in a double pivot as part of a 4-2-3-1 formation - but Nunes’ best position is arguably the No.8 role.

The Portuguese played on the right side of the midfield during Sporting's title-winning season in 2020–21 and then played on the opposite side last year, where he excelled - although he is right-footed.

Nunes’ positional sense is world-class, particularly in the build-up phase of play. Often looking over his shoulder and making scans, he receives 4.11 progressive passes per 90 and can slot into holes between the lines to help with transition. His 2.16 touches inside the box per 90 shows that, despite being positioned deeper, Nunes has no qualms about pushing further up when needed to help with attack.

A well-rounded player, Nunes makes 2.67 dribbles per 90 and makes 0.43 tackles in the attacking third - which is in the 90 percentile compared to other players in his position. Even though Nunes is 6ft, he is a capable dribbler and is more than confident to open up space on the ball by taking on his man in his own half.

Nunes likes to switch often but it’s still an area of his game he will have to improve on, especially when making lofted plays, which often falter. He is a decent tackler when he puts himself about but such opportunities are few and far between, lacking in a volume of ball recoveries.

Nunes a summer targets

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita look unlikely to be staying at Anfield while the need for reinforcements in the centre of the park can’t be denied.

Fabinho needs someone to supplement him if Liverpool don’t decide to put all their faith in Stefan Bajcetic alone this season. Khephren Thuram, who we linked this month, would be a perfect fit for the No.6 position now and next year - while someone who’s box-to-box like Nunes could be put in on the left side beside him, as well as filling in for the Brazilian when needed.

Bellingham, also linked to Real Madrid and Man City, has been playing in a double pivot at Borussia Dortmund on the right, so he could come in on the opposite side to Nunes.

Klopp may ask him to push forward when in possession and play more advanced than Nunes and Fabinho, with the England international making 3.27 shot-creating actions and racking up 0.15xG per 90, the 19-year-old being far more dangerous further up the pitch.

Getting Bellingham and Nunes - along with a young defensive midfielder this window - would be a surefire way of getting the club out of the slum they’re currently in, as the club look for a fresh rebuild.