As Man City’s crunch Champions League clash with Real Madrid awaits this Friday evening, a match which represents our first UEFA competition appearance since the two-year ban was overturned by CAS, one unlikely man’s contribution could be crucial to our quarter-final progression.
Joao Cancelo, who signed for City in a blockbuster £60 million move from Juventus plus ex-Galacticos defender Danilo last summer, has largely been deemed surplus to requirement by manager Pep Guardiola over his first season in the Premier League.
Should Cancelo start against Real Madrid?
Yes, much better than Mendy
No
So much so that recent reports have suggested that we may offload the Portuguese international in a swap deal to land Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo, with the Catalans also reportedly sniffing for young centre-back Eric Garcia.
However, the 26-year-old may still have a part to play for us judging by his recent reawakening in the left-back role – putting in adept and assured performances in our recent victories over Watford and Norwich.
The left-back evolution…
While his opposition seems tame, with both clubs being relegated to the Championship, Cancelo hugely impressed against the Hornets in particular – amassing an 8.5 match rating on SofaScore.
Only star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne managed to better his score, and it’s little wonder why considering the ex-Juve defender’s numbers that game.
Coming up against winger Ismaila Sarr, our full-back could have had a tough afternoon against an attacking talent who ripped Liverpool to shreds – but Cancelo more than held his own.
Indeed, he reigned superior in a noteworthy 12/16 ground duels at Vicarage Road – all while completing 96% of his short passes to teammates and 100% of his long balls.
Time for redemption…
Now valued at around £32.4 million by Transfermarkt, his price tag has been cut in half after a season of bit-part appearances behind Kyle Walker – but Cancelo has proved he should be given a chance to perform on the other side.
Guardiola already has one natural option at left-back in Benjamin Mendy, but the Frenchman has proved inconsistent despite showing flashes of solidarity.
Another candidate to start on Friday is makeshift defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player who has failed to replicate his 2018/2019 prowess.
Now, the opportunity has arisen for us to utilise Cancelo in a position that seems bereft of real quality.
Judging by his recent performances there, and the fact he has averaged the most tackles per 90 out of any City player according to WhoScored, the man once deemed a flop could potentially become one of our Champions League-winning aces.