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Legacy in soccer is often associated with how wonderful a player has served a club. Those who reach the heights of success develop their version of a legacy within a club.
In the case of Joao Cancelo and his time at Manchester City, it is a mixed bag of emotions. The Premier League ultimately says goodbye to a Portuguese international who ended up being one of the best to do it in England over the last decade Cancelo departs for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a fee of $28 million, five years on from his arrival at City. He joined Pep Guardiola’s side for $79 million from Serie A side Juventus.
At the time of the Portuguese fullback’s arrival in Manchester, Benjamin Mendy was the starting left-back. Cancelo offered something different. His attacking output fit manager Pep Guardiola’s preferred formation and tactics. In his debut season, Cancelo was used sparingly in the Premier League. Cancelo needed time to adjust to the English game. However, he would start six of City’s nine Champions League games before their eventual elimination at the hands of Olympique Lyonnais in the quarterfinals.
Joao Cancelo brought something new to Manchester City
The following season saw his playing time drastically increase. Coincidentally, so did City’s successes. Not only would the Portuguese defender prove to be instrumental in City’s title win and run to the Champions League final. Cancelo redefined the fullback role in a Guardiola team.
No more veteran or makeshift fullbacks. Guardiola had his man, and he had a fine blend of attacking flair, discipline and width that this City side was craving. All of a sudden, any criticism of spending almost $80 million on a fullback was silenced. Most impressive of all, Cancelo was the best left-back in the Premier League. At the time, he was not even playing in his favored side, which was occupied by Kyle Walker.
Over the next few years, Cancelo would win three consecutive Premier League titles. The FA…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/joao-cancelo-leaves-complicated-legacy-at-manchester-city/
Author : Abdullah Mamaniyat
Publish date : 2024-08-27 21:14:42
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