Joao Cancelo was selected in Portugal’s World Cup squad and will fancy his chances of starting in their opening group game with Ghana, but Alex Goncalves believes he might not line up at right-back.
Speaking on the Blue Moon Podcast, Goncalves says the 28-year-old might have to settle for a place on the left as Portugal aren’t short of options in his natural position.
When asked by host David Mooney if Cancelo could play left-back for Portugal like he has for Manchester City, Goncalves replied: “Portugal are quite well-stacked at right-back.
“You’ve got the breakthrough of Diogo Dalot who’s been really good for Man Utd this season, so it would be interesting if we do see Cancelo fill in at left-back.
“Portugal do have Nuno Mendes on the left flank (and) you’ve got Raphael Guerreiro as well, but both of them are susceptible to injury. So it wouldn’t shock me at all if we see Joao Cancelo play at left-back.”
Cancelo has made 37 caps for the national team, scoring seven goals with six assists from defence. The 28-year-old has started six of Portugal’s last eight games and has been at right-back, so there is a chance he could get the nod over Dalot.
At club level, Cancelo has made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals with five assists, so he’s a player Portugal can’t afford to keep out given his goal contributions. A Seleção are favourites to pick up all three points in their World Cup opener on Thursday, November 24, but Cancelo is too useful to ignore.
He can play on either flank without issue and is excellent in the final third, whipping balls into the box and creating chances for his teammates, so his selection is a no-brainer.
In other news, reports say Phil Foden is expected to start for England against Iran
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