#27 | João Cancelo - 2020/21 Performances

[doobyedoobye]

He is improving every game he plays now. Learning Pep's approach gradually, and a very versatile player who I expect will be much needed this season

 

[Project]

Surprised at the comments. Yes he’s not the best defensively for but a team that has the possession and chances we do, and with the CB partnership we now have & Walkers recovery pace it is more important that he is contributing going forward. Much like TAA. he’s been one of our best players this season out of position and brings a new dimension to our forward line. Like others I think he’d be far superior to Mahrez at RW too. But for now he’s our best LB.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

With Aké we will literally have a defence with no weak links. Please no Cancelo anymore.

Our problem isn’t defence, that’s a myth mate honestly. It’s scoring goals. And we’d score less with Ake there over Cancelo.

 

[Jamiblue]

Should give him a go in Mahrez position, at least he can take a man on.

And put a good ball in (PASS).

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

Our problem isn’t defence, that’s a myth mate honestly. It’s scoring goals. And we’d score less with Ake there over Cancelo.

Our defense is very solid... except at left back. Cancelo isn't at all good on defense. For me, I'd much rather have Ake playing there.

Agree though that our goal scoring is off currently - but I attribute that to the absence of Aguero/Jesus.

 

[WallyA]

I think it all depends on the balance of the team, and I think Ake or Cancelo (defensive vs offensive) is a good topic of discussion.

With Walker sitting back more, I see the benefits of having Cancelo as an attacking outlet, even if he isn't as good defensively.

Ake playing inverted with Walker gives more protection to Rodri/Gundogan or whoever is the single DM, as I think 2 of Kev/Bernie/Foden should be playing always as the 8/10s.

My final thought (so far) is then this:

1) Since Bernie is more of a controller/defensive than Kev/Foden, If Bernie is playing with Kev/Foden, then we can afford to have Cancelo play on his side to offer something more forward, and is probably the better idea.

2) If we play both Phil and Kevin (even though I think Pep doesn't like this pairing for being TOO progressive in their passing), then I think Ake is probably better to support the 6 and we likely don't need our fullback to attack with Foden and Kev on the pitch.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

Our defense is very solid... except at left back. Cancelo isn't at all good on defense. For me, I'd much rather have Ake playing there.

Agree though that our goal scoring is off currently - but I attribute that to the absence of Aguero/Jesus.

I would agree if we were creating a hatful of chances and just not putting them away, but if you look at the stats our chance creation is way, way off previous seasons so far. It’s a creativity/invention problem, a tendency to prioritise possession over everything. We need to take more risks but mostly, we need more off the ball movement, particularly 3rd man runs. The first half v Sheffield Utd was a slight improvement but still a way off.

 

[Fame Monster]

Putting this guy up against Salah next week is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[mccity]

I think the LB spot is his as long as Mendy struggles with fitness.

I'm not convinced we'll see much of Aké at LB outside of necessity. There's nothing about him to make me think he'll be better than Laporte was there in early 2018 as a conventional LB, nor am I convinced enough he's got the skills to play an inverted LB like Delph or Zinchenko. I reckon he's going to be used at CB as much as possible to preserve Laporte and Dias.

I suppose the question with Cancelo is how long do we expect to see him at LB for?

 

[Manc in London]

Putting this guy up against Salah next week is an accident waiting to happen.

If I remember correctly, a couple of times Pep has put a centre half against Salah. Thus, it would not surprise me if Ake plays at LB next week.