João Cancelo will need to have heard the refrain of criticism that was .
He will need to have felt that even Hansi Flick was having his doubts as as to whether there was a spot for the artistic defender.
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One factor all of us knew is that Cancelo has expertise. He’s harmful on the ball, and might ship a killer closing go. The query was whether or not his offensive strengths outweigh his defensive weaknesses.
It helps him that there aren’t any apparent solutions at left full-back.
Alejandro Balde has continued to battle to persuade, regardless of the expectation that this season he would take a giant step ahead and lock down his place on the Barcelona for the foreseeable future. The Spanish worldwide has nice dribbling and penetration skills, however tends to get misplaced within the closing third.
That’s precisely the place Cancelo excels.
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Now, let’s begin by taking a step again. . They’re the worst defensive staff in Spain, having conceded 44 objectives. This sport was tailor made for Barcelona attacking success.
Credit score must be given to Flick for recognizing this and giving Cancelo the nod in a sport the place he might contribute essentially the most.
Whatever the opponent, Barcelona have to supply hazard down the left flank, as a result of it opens up time and area for Lamine Yamal on the proper.
Raphinha just isn’t a excessive and vast winger, so whoever is the full-back on his aspect must be anticipated to get ahead and supply service.
The job remains to be Balde’s to lose, however he ought to acknowledge, having watched the Cancelo present from the bench, that he must be a lot better if he desires to proceed on this function sooner or later. That sense of positional competitors is a should at a giant membership like Barcelona, and with Cancelo on board, perhaps that’s simply what he can present.
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I wouldn’t count on to see him within the beginning lineup within the Champions League, however maybe we’ll see him extra usually in La Liga. Within the second leg towards Atletico Madrid within the Copa del Rey, perhaps Flick will throw warning to the wind and see if Cancelo can present a spark.
For now, Cancelo’s man of the match efficiency towards Levante was a lot wanted for the participant and the staff alike. He wasn’t a sport altering winter signing, however he has a task to play on this staff.
Better of all, Barcelona are again within the driver’s seat in La Liga due to his efforts.
All eyes can be on Flick to see what he does subsequent.
The selection between Cancelo, Balde, and Gerard Martín isn’t a simple one, and that’s factor.