Are Arsenal in pursuit of Matheus Cunha? Player Scouting Report

A scouting report on Matheus Cunha’s profile and how he’s rapidly built a persona in the Premier League reflecting his versatile talent.

Career Overview:

A humble career, full of bright opportunities being taken saw Matheus Cunha invert in the limelight. Spells in Germany for Leipzig and Hertha Berlin earned him a move to Atletico Madrid. He then made his move to Premier League side Wolves for €50M in 2023

Cunha’s development trajectory since joining the Premier League has been upwards. On the end of some of their most memorable wins and has battled to keep their status safe in the league. His quality and potential has echoed to some of the biggest clubs this season

Versatility has the best ring around Cunha’s name and it’s not by surprise looking at his highlight reels. Comfortable playing as a CF/SS/LW/LCM – all efficiently whilst being a creator + scorer of the highest order

Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Age: 25
Club: Wolves
Position: LW/CF/AM
Foot: Right
Nationality: Brazilian
Value: €52M
Height: 6’0

Strengths: Dribbling, Ball Carrying, Agility, Versatility
Weaknesses: Temperament

Best Position:

One thing that is clear is that he’s not a natural winger/CF. Touchline duties rely on his skilful ability to progress the ball. Prefers taking opponents in a face off battle using his bursts of acceleration + quick feet in 1v1 scenarios + creative

Personally think his ZOI as a profile should be playing from the central zones behind the CF as an AM, utilising his creativity by dropping deep to receive + channelling great dribbling with ball carrying abilities to link up play from the LHS

Playstyle – In Possession

Dribbling in tight spaces and ball carrying in longer distances flaunt his overall ball mastery. Stepovers + feints to turn past defenders are his way of persuasion – showing good body orientation and understanding of patterns in actions

Agility to shift his body in uncanny positions is extravagant in its own. Effective in creating space for himself to pass/shoot – works with his low centre of gravity + all phase turning radius to outwit defenders

Movements off the ball are one of his most underrated assets in my opinion. What makes him special is how he’s not oriented to play in a systematic way – very straightforward, unpredictable to carry/receive from various angles on the pitch

Passing technique comes with the understanding of spaces and off the ball movements from his teammates which he keeps himself aware of. Half space lobbed crosses from the LHS + through balls to break lines are his trademarked passes

Cunha’s technique in shooting has matured with time. Built his goal catalogue through a range of instinctive finishes. The right differentiation of precision vs power helps him boost his shot accuracy and maximise his output.

Productivity leaps through the boundaries of a primary goal scorer. Chance creation and progressive carrying explodes more if you give sort out the dynamics around his legs

3.03 passes into the final third per90
1.90 passes into the penalty area per90
3.15 carries in final third per90

Playstyle – Out of Possession:

Playing for a side like Wolves has improved his OOP work rate and pressing routines under O’Neil. 0.74 interceptions per90 + 4.72 ball recoveries per90 are one of his biggest growth spurts off the ball that deserves applauds

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Wolves who base most of their football through transitions, often look to create a break through with Cunha on the transition. Interceptions > calmly breezing past players with smarter but efficient and not overly aggressive moves to channel attacks

Physicality whilst defending to outmuscle opponents is also very commendable. Uses his body, especially his hands to put him in advantageous situations to either tackle the player off the ball or shield the ball whilst he dribbles multiple players

Provides moments of magic to rely on – intelligence. Composure runs in Cunha’s nerves – always composed in actions, simple as he doesn’t put himself in situations of pressure/panic.
Areas to Improve:

Decision making in moments of finding passes/finishing can look erratic at times. Improving his timings in aerial duels is another area to work on. Temperament is a certain issue that’s come up against Cunha’s name in recent weeks – however, not certainly naming it as a negative.

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Fit at Arsenal:

The biggest conundrum for a player like Cunha is his best fit on the pitch. His output has risen with time and the certain qualities that possess through his playstyle give a clearer picture of which position(s) can get the best out of him

If seen as a traditional number #9, he has the ability to drop deep and link up play with the midfield whilst also rotating with the wingers. Supply possession by playing passes + carries into wider zones

Helps Arsenal’s biggest doubt of central progression if being played from LCM/SS hybrid role behind the CF under Arteta. His favoured spaces being left of the centre can display his ball carrying + passing + shot taking action

Arsenal are said to not doing enough from areas of the pitch that they can take advantage of – central spaces. Cunha’s 3.34 shots per90 come with some exceptional poaching qualities from outside the box whilst also assisting key goals from the centre

Off the LW you’d expect him to have an underlap/overlap for him to carry inwards and create for the CF. Can thrive off cutbacks. False #9 actions are top for him to combine with a CF. Arteta’s setpieces could have a new facilitator

Conclusion:

Cunha is a certain profile that’s gonna work as a top signing for any club that targets him. If Arsenal recruit Cunha, it all depends on the price tag for me – overpaying for him could lead to changes in the summer plan.

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