It is a fact that FC Barcelona are looking to sign a right-back and one of the favourites on the list is João Cancelo. The Portuguese has plenty of experience in elite football and, for a while, he was considered the best player in his position. However, for non-sporting reasons, his amount of minutes on the pitch has decreased, which affects his reputation.
Xavi values Cancelo’s profile positively for his great ability with the ball, his associative capacity and for the good adaptation he has to a line-up in which he becomes part of the midfield, as happened to him at Manchester City.
Looking at his statistics from last season with the English club and Bayern, João averages 57 passes per game, which shows that he comes into play a lot. He usually makes two dribbles per game and recovers five balls. Despite the fact that the previous season wasn’t his best, the statistics of the ‘citizen’ team show him to be a great player.
In terms of his fit in the Blaugrana squad, João Cancelo would be a great addition. He could adapt to any formation, both the classic 4-3-3, which Xavi doesn’t use but which has a long history at Can Barça, and the current 3-2-2-3 that Xavi uses right now.
He is a player with many resources, so, as well as being a classic full-back, he could join the midfield or perform the same role as Balde, but on the opposite flank, or even replace the Spaniard if something unforeseen arises. And, why not think about it, perhaps in certain contexts, he could act as a pure winger if the coach knows how to adapt him.
However, his attitude raises certain doubts about his possible arrival. It is very likely that Xavi will opt for a more defensive player at times when the opposing winger is very dangerous, something that would send Cancelo to the bench. Moreover, if his place in the squad becomes difficult, João wouldn’t be indisputable. These are contexts in which the player’s temperament would generate conflicts and could make his signing for Barça end up being a failure.
In addition, as has been the case in recent markets, the economy is an obstacle. Although Barça are freeing up space in the wage bill with important departures such as Kessié and Dembélé, risks cannot be taken.
For Cancelo’s arrival to be feasible, he would have to accept a considerable reduction in his salary and, as far as the transfer formula is concerned, the best option would be to opt for a loan deal. The Catalan club have the advantage that Manchester City want to sell the player and that he wants to come to Barcelona, but this operation is still very complicated.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @FCBayern.
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