Matheus Cunha: Ideal fit for Arsenal or Nottingham Forest?

Matheus Cunha has emerged as one of the top players to watch this January. The Brazilian has attracted interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, with the latter preparing a club-record bid. But which club would suit Cunha best? Keep reading to find out! Cunha is known for his ability to play across various attacking positions,…

Matheus Cunha has emerged as one of the top players to watch this January. The Brazilian has attracted interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, with the latter preparing a club-record bid.

But which club would suit Cunha best? Keep reading to find out!

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Cunha is known for his ability to play across various attacking positions, combining his dribbling skills with precise finishing. His technical ability allows him to link play effectively and create goal-scoring opportunities.

His pace and intelligent movement make him a big threat during counter-attacks, enabling him to exploit spaces behind defences.

This season, Cunha has scored 10 league goals in a struggling Wolves side. So in an Arsenal or Forest squad where between 2.4 and 3.3 big chances per 90 are created, he will surely score even more goals.

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Arsenal employ a possession-based system under Mikel Arteta, with intricate passing and fluid movement in the final third. The team relies on creative midfielders to dictate play and break down defences.

This would suit Cunha’s technical skills and his versaility could allow him to seamlessly adapt to the Gunners’ attacking structure.

Out of possession, Arsenal adopt a high press and aim to win the ball back quickly. This is to maintain control of the game’s tempo, which is perfect for Cunha who has a tireless work rate.

The Brazilian also has a good understanding of pressing mechanisms and could support Arsenal’s strategy of quick ball recovery.

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Nottingham Forest have flourished this season under Nuno Espirito Santo and currently sit third level on points with Arsenal.

Their success is largely down to a strong defensive structure. Forest are averaging 39.9% possesion this season, the lowest in the league. This approach relies on quick transtions and counter attacks to exploit opponents.

Cunha’s ability in those transitions aligns well with Forests emphasis on counter-attacks. With his pace with and without the ball, Cunha could enhance Forest’s attacking threat when they regain possession.

Forest also place a heavy focus on direct passes and making the most of limited possession, aiming for high efficiency in front of goal. Cunha would aid that well as he has outperformed his xG by 5.37 already this season, highlighting his ruthlessness in front of goal.

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Cunha would thrive at both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest due to his versatility, understanding of systems and work ethic.

However, I think he would be an better fit for Arsenal. His ability to operate in a possession-based system align well with Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach.

Whilst his counter-attacking strengths could benefit Forest, the emphasis on direct play and limited possession would not fully utilise his creative capabilities.

Therefore, Arsenal’s tactical framework would allow Cunha to maximise his full potential.

Written by Isabelle Newnham