Nunez is looking like he is applying things that he's been taught into his play. There is a still a great deal of work to be done. If he doesn't see a pass on, more than likely he'll lash a shot that has about a 3% chance of going in. He still has a somewhat errant touch.
That said, there was no version of Nunez last year that did anything, at all, with their back to goal. He's doing that now, which means he can stay while someone else goes, as well as being a threat behind. That keeps the opposition guessing, but it also gives an outball when we are under the kosh.
He also is pressing, not just with more energy, but in a way that seems informed by the context of what is going on. He's more part of a team press, and he is fixing dangerous situations, not just reacting by running when he loses the ball, but when the team needs it in general.
It is still up in the air as to whether he can be a force for us like we'd hope. Right now though, his job is to find a regular place on the teamsheet. He's putting some arguments together, and some of them are new.
This above all is what is encouraging. When you buy a player who you think has a high ceiling but is raw and a little wild, you need to be able to mould them. Just because you can, doesn't mean you'll get what you want, but if you can't, you're fucked entirely. I think it's clear he CAN be moulded.
