In a brilliant game that saw FC Barcelona beat Betis 5-0 in LaLiga at the weekend, Joao Cancelo was one of the names who shone with his own light. The Portuguese became one of the undisputed stars in only his second game for the Blaugrana club thanks to his outstanding performances and his prominent role in the tactical system designed by Xavi Hernández.
Joao Cancelo’s role at Barcelona under Xavi has been a topic of interest since his arrival at the club, and his performance in this game made it clear why he was such a valuable addition. Here’s a look at Joao Cancelo’s influence on Xavi’s FC Barcelona:
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The role of Joao Cancelo at Xavis FC Barcelona
-Inverted right side: Joao Cancelo played the reverse role of right-back, a tactic in which the full-back tends to advance towards the center of the pitch when the team is in possession of the ball. This versatility allowed Barcelona to have a greater midfield presence and a more fluid attacking transition.
-Change of position: The Portuguese alternated between different heights on the field, allowing him to receive key players such as Oriol Romeu and Frenkie de Jong in close proximity. On several occasions he even stepped forward to take up the midfield position, confusing the opposition defense and causing imbalances in Betis’ defensive structure.
-Technical quality and pass: Cancelo demonstrated exceptional technical quality and great skill in distributing the ball. His precision in the passing game was crucial for clean defensive finishes and creating attacking opportunities.
-Key movements: His intelligent movements were crucial for dominance in the mid lane. Barcelona organized themselves in a tactical 2-3-2-3 system, with Joao Cancelo playing a key role alongside Oriol Romeu and Frenkie de Jong, who occupied the midfield. His presence was instrumental in maintaining control of the game in midfield.
Joao Cancelo’s influence in this game suggests an exciting future at FC Barcelona under Xavi’s management. His tactical versatility, technical quality and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to the team and his contribution could be crucial to the team’s success this season. Barcelona fans will certainly be excited to see more dazzling performances from Cancelo in the upcoming games.