Portugal v Ghana – Thu 24th Nov, 16:00 | Group H | World Cup 2022

[Father Paul]

I don't think you meant that it is good that Cancelo can't defend for either City or Portugal , but prefer to think that you find it concerning that he shows familiar traits when having to defend ?

I do not like the defensive flaws which are seen quite regularly, but when he doesn't have defensive responsibilities and can simply concentrate on attacking, then he is a different player altogether.

Needs to stop the diving and petulance too imo.

His problem is he is neither an attacker or a defender he is a Pep construct and a lot of the time it works.

 

[Bluemoonadam]

Did Ronaldo play?
Haven’t heard him mentioned… cunts

Wouldnt of noticed if he did play , horrible stuck up **** he is and thats being polite.

 

[asahartford1]

Would still be nice if he could do the basics at times when defending. He’s had a fullback for 5 years on the other side who’s just a pure defender. Apart from the few games he had early season when Pep tried him getting on the ball like Beckham under Sven. That looked good:)

I'd agree Cancelo has plenty of weaknesses defensively. Many fans are better at spotting weaknesses than identifying the strengths that Pep likes.
On your second point, if you are referring to Walker, I don't think Pep wanted him as a " pure defender" every game I watch he seems to be asked to do much more than that.
Most of our team get slated on bluemoon, yet we win the League, we score the most goals and we let in the fewest, how do we do it ?

 

[domalino]

Interesting listening to Zabaleta today explaining what Pep wants from a full back.
What is perhaps a top full back to you is not necessarily what he wants.
He is prepared to sacrifice pure defending for other attributes, won't change his philosophy and doubt he can persuade the likes of Davies to sign from Bayern.

If Pep wanted Cancelo at fullback, he'd not have had Walker at RB for 5 years and spent all summer chasing Cucurella.

 

[bluethrunthru]

cracking observation

 

[Craig]

I'd agree Cancelo has plenty of weaknesses defensively. Many fans are better at spotting weaknesses than identifying the strengths that Pep likes.
On your second point, if you are referring to Walker, I don't think Pep wanted him as a " pure defender" every game I watch he seems to be asked to do much more than that.
Most of our team get slated on bluemoon, yet we win the League, we score the most goals and we let in the fewest, how do we do it ?

Having the best team and squad in the country probably helps if i had to guess.

As for Cancelo he’s a joy to watch when he’s on it. Has games where he’s awful too though. Some of his defensive errors are just basics that he could easily improve on.

I’m very happy with where we’re at but doesn’t mean we can’t hope for or be better. Champions league and plenty of big games for example. Phil Foden is another prime example. Is he a brilliant player? Yes. Probably the most talented english player. Him not already being England’s main playmaker shows he’s not kicking on to the level he’s capable of lately though.

 

[Keeper!]

Cancelo average at defending.

Blue tinted glasses in action ;)

 

[FantasyIreland]

Wasnt impressed with Portugals wilingness to cheat.

 

[shemnel]

Ronaldo should be dropped for Portugal to succeed, he appears to dictate the entire midfield play to suit him and strangulates any creativity. obviously he won't be.

 

[asahartford1]

If Pep wanted Cancelo at fullback, he'd not have had Walker at RB for 5 years and spent all summer chasing Cucurella.

As I said " plenty of defensive weaknesses"
Did you read that ?

Who bought Cancelo ? Yes Pep,

As for Cucurella, the club thought he was worth worth only 30 million, wouldn't go higher if, so not chasing him all Summer lol.If you have watched him you might know why.

A club needs 4 full backs, how many have we got ?
And one Walker is ageing and getting more injuries, of course we are in the market for full backs, we need them.

Read posts properly before jumping to the wrong conclusions.