Rodri piled praise on Matheus Nunes last night after Manchester City had beaten Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club world Cup semi-final.
City are into Friday’s final against Fluminense, after a comfortable 3-0 win in Jeddah.
Pep Guardiola put out a fairly strong side to face the J-League outfit, but the team did struggle to break Urawa down in the first-half.
They worked very hard and blocked a lot of attempts from City.
But there would be a breakthrough just before half-time when Matheus Nunes surged down the right and put in a low cross, which was turned into his own net by Marius Høibråten.
After Mateo Kovacic grabbed his first goal for the club, Nunes was then involved in City’s third goal, working the goalkeeper before Bernardo Silva eventually turned in.
It was a good night for Nunes and after the game, Rodri spoke about the Portuguese midfielder…
Rodri praises Matheus Nunes after Manchester City beat Urawa Red Diamonds
Last night there were times when City actually looked a bit short of ideas.
But Nunes was someone who always looked like he could make something happen with his ball-carrying and drive.
He was very difficult to contain and obviously, he played a big part in two of the goals. He also could and should have scored himself with a header in the second-half. Robbie Savage said on commentary at one point on TNT Sports that he had ‘played really well’.
Nunes has had a fairly low-key start to life at the Etihad since his £53 million transfer from Wolves, but he gave a great account of himself last night and Rodri had some kind words for his teammate after the game.
He said (mancity.com): “I think he [Nunes] needed this for his confidence and to keep going. He’s a very good player. Very young of course. He provoked the first goal”
Rodri also mentioned Kovacic, who stands to become the first player ever to win the Club World Cup with three different clubs.
“Both of them are doing very good. We need them,” he added. “We need them until the end of the season. They are going to be important players.
Nunes improving
Urawa are obviously not the strongest opposition, with all due respect. That said, last night in the first half they did defend really well and made it hard for City, especially in the first-half.
Nunes stepped up to help City break the deadlock and then contributed to the third goal, and it does look as though he is now finding his feet in a City shirt.
He has seriously high potential, but so far it’s been a bit of a mediocre start for him at the Etihad.
Rodri is right, he needed this latest performance for his confidence and hopefully he can now really kick on.
