Joao Cancelo will be Xavi’s key asset in elevating Barcelona to a new level. There is no room for doubt; this transformative signing is poised to add a new dimension to their offensive play.
Cancelo possesses a blend of creativity, technical skill, and versatility, but the question remains: how will he seamlessly integrate into the team? Let’s delve into an analysis of this.
Read More: Joao Cancelo signs for Barcelona on loan for 23/24 with buy option
Let’s take a lightning-fast look at Joao Cancelo’s profile:
1. He’s got that elite technical finesse that turns heads.
2. Versatility is his middle name; he’s equally at home on the right and left.
3. When it comes to going forward, he’s nothing short of devastating. Think creativity and progression at their finest.
4. His ball-striking skills are top-notch.
5. He thrives in high-action, ball-dominant roles.
6. You’ll often see him inverting and overlapping with style.
7. He’s the dynamic mix of a full-back and interior player.
Cancelo has the potential to be the LaLiga equivalent of a cheat code. When facing relentless defensive pressure and deep-set blocks, he emerges as the creative genius who can unlock these stubborn defenses.
With impeccable delivery, exceptional dribbling skills, and a knack for progression, he’s destined to be a game-changer, especially in domestic matchups.
His level of quality is nothing short of mind-blowing.
Cancelo vs. Kounde: A Gulf in On-the-Ball Excellence
When we stack up Cancelo against Kounde, the gap in their profiles becomes glaringly evident.
It might not be a fair comparison, bu
t Cancelo stands head and shoulders above in terms of threat generation and virtually every on-the-ball attribute you can think of. He’s the superior passer, shooter, and chance creator, to name just a few.
When it comes to possession play, the upgrade is nearly impossible to put into words.
But how does all this flair translate when Cancelo steps onto the pitch?
Here’s the scoop, and it’s a crucial yet frequently underestimated point: Cancelo doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional full-back.
He’s not your typical full-throttle overlapping dynamo, nor does he conform to the mold of a classic midfield-inverting player. He’s a fascinating hybrid, and I’m about to break it down for you.
When it comes to overlapping runs, Cancelo’s ability to exploit space is truly remarkable, thanks to his impeccable timing. However, what sets him apart is his preference for attacking from the outside, cutting inside his marker with the ball glued to his feet.
This distinctive approach means he’s not your typical space-exploiting dynamo like Alba when it comes to overlapping plays.
Instead of chasing open space, Cancelo’s true desire is to be right there in the thick of the action, with the ball at his feet, making things happen.
As seen in the earlier example, he excels at cutting inside from the outside, maintaining close ball control throughout.
His affinity for the half-space is undeniable across all phases of the game. Ideally, he thrives when paired with a wide player or a dynamic runner.
But let’s not forget Cancelo’s off-the-ball prowess. He’s quite adept at making lightning-fast deep runs, but there’s a twist – they’re more likely to be underlaps than overlaps.
These runs typically unfold in transitional scenarios or situations where he can begin deep on the field and sprint forward with speed, ending up in advanced positions. Let me show you a couple of examples:
Don’t get me wrong; Cancelo is more than capable of holding down the width when needed. However, even when he’s assigned the role of the wide man, he frequently requests the ball to be delivered to his feet, and at times, he’ll even drop deeper to collect it.
His sweet spot lies in orchestrating plays for the runners, rather than being the one making those runs himself.
In wide situations, Cancelo’s game plan often involves outsmarting his marker by cutting inside before making a distribution or linking up.
What might surprise you is that when he operates on the left side, he tends to position himself higher and wider in attack. Given his right-footed nature, this inclination for out-to-in movements becomes even more pronounced.
However, it’s essential to note that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Cancelo is more than comfortable utilizing his weaker foot for playmaking, whether he’s on the left or right flank. This versatility makes him a formidable asset in all phases of play, as he becomes less predictable for defenders.
Yet, it’s undeniably a tendency worth mentioning.
Cancelo’s Underlap: Where Creativity and Mobility Collide
When it comes to the underlap, Cancelo often ventures into the half-space. But once there, he’s incredibly dynamic and enjoys roaming, all while keeping the ball tightly under his control. Essentially, you’re looking at a highly engaged player who thrives on ball domination and using it as a canvas for his creativity.
Let’s dive deeper into this intriguing profile.
Let’s dive into these prime examples where I’ll unveil the pivotal partnerships that make Cancelo shine as a right-back:
1. Forming a dynamic triangle with the right central midfielder and right winger.
2. Forging a crucial connection with the midfield.
3. Establishing a rock-solid link with the backline.
This is the terrain where Cancelo thrives – positioned just ahead of the defensive line, snugly tucked in, and ready to provide that creative spark that sets runners in motion.
And, of course, that’s when the magic happens.
The challenge when it comes to linking up Cancelo with Raphinha is that these two players share remarkably similar tendencies.
They tend to gravitate toward the same areas on the field, have a similar distribution style, and share a strong desire for the ball.
This could potentially lead to a profile overlap, and that’s a puzzle worth unraveling.
Balancing Act: Navigating Space and Tendencies in Cancelo and Raphinha’s Partnership
Cancelo’s versatility often sees him splitting his playing time between left-back and right-back, making it a challenge to pinpoint the ideal sample.
Nevertheless, upon closer inspection, it’s evident that their space occupation and preferred delivery zones bear striking similarities, whether it’s Joao on the left or Raphinha on the right.
Both players have a penchant for operating on the inside, which means at some point, a compromise might be necessary.
Thankfully, Raphinha brings the versatility of being an effective runner to the table, although his real magic happens when he cuts into the half-space, showcasing his creative passing skills.
While he can certainly maintain width, it’s worth noting that he doesn’t devour open space the way someone like Ousmane Dembele might.
Interestingly, Cancelo shares some of these tendencies.
Cancelo is a player with the ability to execute overlapping runs and make incisive dashes into open spaces. However, his true brilliance shines when he cuts into the half-space, unleashing his creative passing skills.
While he’s capable of maintaining width, it’s important to note that he doesn’t devour open space like some other players might.
In theory, the partnership between Cancelo and Raphinha can function, but it’s not operating at its full potential.
This is precisely why the immense enthusiasm surrounding Cancelo’s profile raises some concerns for me. It’s not a question of his quality; he’s undoubtedly elite. However, the worry lies in the potentially unrealistic expectations that some may have.
The real litmus test for his success alongside Raphinha will be how effectively he adapts to being frequently pushed into an overlapping role.
Examining Cancelo’s Potential Challenges: From Ego to Tactical Fit
Let’s briefly explore some potential drawbacks:
1. Reports of ego and dressing room issues.
2. Not particularly imposing in athletic or wide open defensive scenarios.
3. Approaching the latter stages of his prime.
4. A player who leans more towards a midfielder than a traditional full-back.
5. Overlapping ability not at its peak. — Possible suboptimal fit in right-side dynamics.
On those crucial European nights, if Barcelona lacks the compactness and organization they need, Cancelo alone might not be the solution to their most pressing problems.
No doubt, he’ll contribute to their goal-scoring efforts, that’s a given.
But he’s not a defensive safety net that can plug the gaps elite teams will be eager to exploit.
In this regard, Barcelona’s European challenges remain a significant unknown.
Nonetheless, if Cancelo’s contributions lead to thrilling 5-4 victories in high-octane fashion, it’s a scenario I’d embrace without hesitation.
Only time will reveal the outcome.
