Sidelined by Manchester City, Joao Cancelo Is a ‘Type of Player All Coaches Look For,’ Insists Roberto Martinez

Per several rumors, Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo fell out with coach Pep Guardiola during his Manchester City stint. At the heart of the alleged fallout was Cancelo’s lack of playing time. Ahead of the club’s treble-winning season, the master tactician had started to overlook the Portuguese fullback and bet on the likes of Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis. However, Portugal NT’s coach Roberto Martinez is no Guardiola. For him, Cancelo is a ‘very complete player,’ who ‘meets many of the requirements to be one of the best players in his position.’

Though Joao Cancelo eventually started to lose his place in Etihad, he was instrumental in several of Manchester City’s EPL title wins. Now, on loan at FC Barcelona, the 29-year-old is arguably mirroring his prime Manchester City form at Camp Nou.

Roberto Martinez lauds Cancelo’s quality both as an attacker and defender!

In a recent interview, Roberto Martinez spoke at length about two Joao’s from the Portugal NT, namely Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix. Two of them currently don the Blaugrana colors and have made their mark at Camp Nou. Speaking of Cancelo’s prowess, the head coach said, “He is the type of player that all coaches look for. He can play on the wing, on the outside, on the inside, he can run wide, he can turn or face forward. He has the ability to be a midfielder and then he can develop his game in the final third like a striker. And he can defend like a defender,” (translated by DeepL) as compiled by Sport.

After lauding his overall capabilities on the field, the 50-year-old showcased the fullback’s physical fitness and how he meets every requirement for the NT. He added, “He is a very complete player, with a physical capacity that allows him to play three games in a week. He meets many of the requirements to be one of the best players in his position in world soccer. His performance at Barcelona proves it”. Martinez seems to be convinced with Joao Cancelo’s Barcelona stint, proving his versatility as a player. Let’s see how.

How has Joao Cancelo been the real difference at Barcelona?

In just 22 matches, Barcelona has deployed Joao Cancelo as a left-back, right-back, right-midfielder, and even a right-winger. Well, that is pure versatility only a few players can aspire to have. Let alone emulate it. Cancelo also saved Barcelona from UEFA Champions League humiliation at a time when the club has been struggling more than thriving.

During a UCL clash against Porto, the star fullback stepped up and scored a clutch goal, avoiding the Catalan club’s exit before knockout matches. The 29-year-old is currently missing action because of a knee injury. The Portuguese’s absence is costing Xavi, it seems.

READ MORE: “Players Feel More Important”- Joao Cancelo Compares Roberto Martinez With Ex-Portugal Boss Fernando Santos

Barcelona lost against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the recent Super Cup Final, when they played without Cancelo. Besides, Valverde’s Athletic Club recently knocked out a ‘Cancelo-less’ Blaugrana in the Copa del Rey too! To set the remainder of the season in tone, Xavi and Co. will surely be waiting for the sidelined Joao Cancelo to get back on the pitch.

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