Matheus Nunes to Man City: Wolves ball-carrier has a specific skill that Pep Guardiola wants from his midfield

"Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today." That comment from Pep Guardiola came in February of last year after Manchester City’s win over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie. He is a long-time admirer.

Nunes joined Wolves for £38m at the end of that season, going on to provide glimpses of the quality that Guardiola had recognised in him. An outrageous strike on the angle against Chelsea in April made the shortlist for Premier League goal of the season.

But City's interest in Nunes is still intriguing given that this remains his only goal in the competition. That it was such a spectacular one sums up his time at Wolves - hints of what he is capable of but a frustrating inability to put all the parts of his game together.

What is the likelihood that Guardiola can succeed where Wolves failed? There are certainly mitigating circumstances at Molineux. A clear vision for the player would be a start because there has been confusion about how best to use Nunes since he came to England.

Bruno Lage, his first coach at Wolves, was aware of the partnership with Joao Palhinha that had been the foundation of Sporting's first title success in 19 years. Playing alongside a robust stopper had been the idea foil, encouraging Nunes to carry the ball from deep.

At Wolves, where twin playmakers Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho had been long-time midfield partners, Nunes found a different environment. And besides, Lage lasted only eight games before caretaker boss Steve Davis re-envisaged Nunes' position.

Pushing him into a more advanced role was an attempt to tighten up. "We tried him in a two," said Davis in October. "He needs to learn that position. He was very loose in that position. We want him to