All eyes will be on Matheus Nunes during Liverpool’s midweek match against Wolves at Anfield because he may be ready for another tryout with Jürgen Klopp.
Nunes, who transferred from Sporting Lisbon to Wolves in August of last year, has received a lot of attention from clubs interested in signing him. Three midfielders at Liverpool, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, are set to become free agents this summer.
The Reds lost at Molineux earlier this month after two FA Cup meetings just weeks earlier, making it seem like Klopp’s team is playing Wolves every other week at the moment. However, this will be the last opportunity for the majority of Liverpool supporters to see the Portuguese international in person before the summer.
Prior to his August transfer to Wolves, Nunes was said to be a target for Liverpool, and it is likely that Klopp would look into his name as he looks to strengthen his team in preparation for the forthcoming season. Jude Bellingham is unquestionably the team’s top midfield target for the upcoming transfer window. Yet, it is clear that Liverpool needs a lot of reinforcements in this area of the field, and Nunes might see a chance at Anfield this week.
Players who have done admirably against Liverpool while playing for Jürgen Klopp’s clubs include Sadio Mané, Gini Wijnaldum, and Takumi Minamino. Hence, while extensive scouting will definitely be the main method used by professionals to identify the best candidates to target this summer, Nunes’ standing will not be harmed by a strong showing against the Reds.
Liverpool has reportedly been keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress in anticipation of a potential $66 million (£55 million/€62 million) signing due to his outstanding ball-carrying skills and ability to beat a man from midfield, according to The Telegraph. The 17-time international midfielder has been ranked among the best in Europe over the past year in a number of significant statistical categories, according to FBREF.
In terms of advanced carries, Nunes ranks among midfielders in the top five leagues in Europe in the 86th percentile and has had the same number of successful takeovers over the last year. The midfielder is also in the 94th percentile for receiving progressive passes, indicating that he is not afraid to seize the initiative and lead his side during transitions.
If you’re looking for a player who can consistently provide your squad attacking impetus and move the ball down the field, Nunes would be a valuable asset. These traits seem to personify the kind of fervor and vitality that Liverpool’s midfield zones are now lacking.
As Liverpool’s aging midfield has struggled to recapture its old vitality, Jürgen Klopp’s “heavy metal football” has felt dated in recent years. Yet, Nunes seems to be the kind of player who may help bring back some of that vitality.
It is a simple fact that Liverpool’s attacking full-backs are better able to perform to their full capacity and give the forward players ammunition the harder a Klopp midfield works.
Nunes has played a number of positions for Wolves this season and has mostly featured on the left flank since Julen Lopetegui’s hiring, according to a previous story by David Comerford on Liverpool.com.
Jürgen Klopp would likely appreciate the player’s versatility as it demonstrates a strong tactical understanding; after all, the aforementioned Gini Wijnaldum previously played in a position similar to this for Newcastle before switching to center midfield for Liverpool.
The highly regarded Portuguese prospect will have a chance to play this week at Anfield. He might convince Merseyside to sign him on Wednesday night by providing what Liverpool is now lacking.