Matheus Cunha has been one of the few mavericks left in the game, a player whose natural ability with the ball consistently lifts the crowd at Molineux. The Brazilian striker, now in his final weeks at Wolverhampton Wanderers, has dazzled fans since his arrival from Atlético Madrid. Over the past two-and-a-half years, Cunha’s flair and instinctive play have been crucial in pulling Wolves towards safety in the Premier League, showcasing his unique skillset and producing moments of brilliance from nothing.
Former Wolves assistant coach Ian Burchnall speaks highly of Cunha, describing him as a player who doesn’t over-analyze the opposition but instead relies on his instincts. “He likes to feel the game and play on instincts,” Burchnall explains, noting that while many coaches focus heavily on tactical discipline, Cunha thrives in environments that give him freedom. Despite this, the 25-year-old’s style sometimes doesn’t fit perfectly into tactical systems that require a more structured approach. When unleashed in his preferred role, particularly behind a central striker on the left side, Cunha’s creativity shines.
The Brazilian’s future at Wolves looks uncertain, with clubs like Manchester United reportedly interested in acquiring him. His impressive tally of 15 goals and six assists from 31 Premier League appearances this season only adds to his appeal. However, his temperament has been a topic of discussion. Cunha’s emotional nature has sometimes resulted in discipline issues, with two suspensions this season, yet Burchnall believes this edge is a characteristic found in top players. “He has a fire inside and an edge to him,” Burchnall adds. “It probably comes from a good place, but at the same time, you can’t consistently do those sorts of things.”
This season, Wolves have shown that they are not solely reliant on Cunha, with his absence in March and April coinciding with a period of solid form for the team. His maturity has also been evident in his response to being dropped from the starting lineup. In a recent match against Tottenham, Cunha came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact by scoring, demonstrating a level of professionalism and adaptability that hadn’t always been present in previous seasons.
Cunha’s potential to play for a bigger club is clear, but he must prove that his brilliance can translate consistently at the highest level. His ability to turn a game on its head with a moment of individual magic has endeared him to fans, but his occasional lack of energy and tendency to drift can frustrate coaches looking for a more dynamic presence. His stat of spending more time walking than any other outfield player in the league might give the impression of laziness, but those who understand his game know that he simply needs space to operate effectively.
On top of his footballing talent, Cunha’s intelligence and multilingualism have made him an integral figure in the Wolves dressing room. Having grown up in Brazil before moving to Switzerland as a teenager, he is well-versed in the challenges of adapting to new environments. His ability to communicate in five languages makes him a valuable asset in helping new players settle in.
If Cunha does make a move to a higher-profile European club, he will be looking to prove that his time at Atlético Madrid was an anomaly. He will be eager to show that he is more than just a talented player with flashes of brilliance, but someone who can consistently perform at the top level. As he seeks the next chapter in his career, Cunha’s key to success will be to liberate himself from the pressures of expectation and embrace his natural flair.
