🇵🇹 Performance Analysis
🔵🔴 João Cancelo vs Sevilla : How does Xavi want to utilize Cancelo in possession (inverted fullback, connection with Lamine Yamal on the right flank) ?
THREAD ⤵️🧵
🔵🔴 João Cancelo vs Sevilla : How does Xavi want to utilize Cancelo in possession (inverted fullback, connection with Lamine Yamal on the right flank) ?
THREAD ⤵️🧵
In possession, Cancelo's positioning is interesting because it offers many options for Barca. In my opinion, as soon as possible, Cancelo has to dive into spaces near penalty box, such as here. That's why Lamal's wide positioning is key to draw out Sevilla's fullback.
This 2-3 shape in first phase suits Cancelo well, becuase of the freedom he has in his moves to receive the ball. Guardiola made the task easier for Xavi because Cancelo didn't need any transition to understand that role.
Cancelo goes wide when Barca ahs the ball in its own defensive third, to force the opponent to press wide, it requires more energy and creates more space. Moreover, Cancelo can create this triangle with Raphinha and Yamal to dismantle Sevilla defense.
Cancelo frequently told Yamal to not hesitate taking depth quickly, because many times Raphinha and Yamal did the same moves, so Cancelo could't take advantage from one drop-off to make in-depth pass. It's only the beginning but we can already see how Cancelo eases out build-up.
What I appreciated the most in this game from Cancelo was his discipline in defensive transitions. He frequently returned quickly to prevent deadly vertical passes, and that's a thing he doesn't used to do much.
Cancelo's pressing is precious for Barca, especially to track key players in build-up for opponents. He did it many times yesterday, and shows how intelligent this player is out of possession.
As I said earlier, Cancelo relies on Yamal's positioning to wait the last second to cut inside or pass the ball. Yamal, drawing out the fullback, opens a window for Cancelo to attack this space...
... and pierce the defense, for finally pass the ball to Joao Felix. This connection seems natural, and I think we will see many assists and goals between these two, given how they understand each others moves.
In transition, if their is enough space in front of him, Cancelo's speed is a big danger for the opponent. However, despite very good runs, he was found too late in my opinion, and Barca could have had many other chances.
Cancelo is also well known for his dribbling abilities, and Lamine Yamal's wide positioning, as we said, allows Cancelo to wait until the last second to provoke 1V1 situation with the fullback and create difference.
Cancelo is one of the most complete players on the planet.
Cancelo is one of the most complete players on the planet.
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