“I Would Have Scored If Not for Him” — that was the honest admission from Wolves forward Matheus Cunha after a tense Premier League clash against West Ham United. Despite his best efforts, Cunha found himself frustrated by the sheer defensive brilliance of a West Ham player he didn’t name outright — though many believe it was Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd who thwarted his chances.
Cunha didn’t hold back in praising the mystery defender during his post-match interview, highlighting just how difficult it was to break through the opposition’s backline. Observers quickly pieced together that his words pointed toward Aguerd, whose standout display kept Wolves from finding the net.
Aguerd, 28, turned in a rock-solid performance — from making crucial interceptions and clearances to dominating duels and executing a key sliding tackle in the 74th minute that denied Cunha a near-certain goal. That moment, in particular, seemed to stick with the Brazilian striker, who acknowledged it as a turning point in the game.
Cunha even hinted that Wolves should consider bringing such a defender into their ranks — an unusual but telling suggestion. While the comment might’ve been offhand, it’s ignited curiosity among fans and pundits alike about whether Wolves should or could make a move for Aguerd. Given the club’s recent defensive struggles and desire to strengthen the backline, the timing of the remark is interesting.
However, Aguerd isn’t just any defender up for grabs. His profile has been rising steadily, especially after his performances on the world stage with Morocco. West Ham may be reluctant to let go of such a key figure, especially as they look to stabilize under their new manager.
Still, Cunha’s praise speaks volumes. It’s not every day that a striker openly salutes a rival for ruining his scoring chance. That level of sportsmanship and humility shows growth — and underscores the respect players have for true defensive excellence.
Whether this moment leads to a transfer chase or fades into a brief moment of admiration, one thing is clear: Nayef Aguerd’s efforts didn’t just keep Wolves at bay — they earned the respect of the very man he stopped.
