Coppa Italia

Juventus Fullback João Cancelo Is The Perfect Weapon For Maurizio Sarri

Juventus Fullback João Cancelo Is The Perfect Weapon For Maurizio Sarri

Transfer rumors have swirled around Juventus fullback João Cancelo, but the Old Lady should think twice before selling this potentially deadly weapon.

Jul 29, 2019
Juventus Fullback João Cancelo Is The Perfect Weapon For Maurizio Sarri

Much has changed at Juventus this summer, the departure of coach Max Allegri seeing the Italian giants ushering in something of a revolution as Maurizio Sarri prepares for his first campaign at the helm. The former Chelsea boss will have no shortage of help as a number of new faces have joined Cristiano Ronaldo and company in the Bianconeri squad, the club working hard to bring in the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, and Matthijs de Ligt.

There was, of course, no shortage of talent already within their ranks, and there is little doubt that Sarri will be relying on many of the same players as his predecessor even as he brings a completely different tactical approach. 

Giorgio Chiellini, Miralem Pjanić, and Alex Sandro will continue to play major roles, but among those who fit his preferred style, there is little doubt that João Cancelo is exactly the type of fullback Sarri loves to have at his disposal. It was therefore hugely surprising to see the Portuguese defender linked with a move away as the transfer window opened, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City identified as the side most desperate to sign the 25-year-old. 

Cancelo only arrived in Turin just 12 months earlier, his Bianconeri tenure getting off to the worst possible start as he gave away a clumsy penalty in the opening game of 2018-19. Yet he bounced back quickly after that tough outing against Chievo, winning over supporters with some decisive displays and maintaining a high level of consistency as the season wore on. 

The combination of speed, skill, and poise he possesses going forward made Cancelo quite the weapon, able to join the attack and make telling contributions around the opposition penalty area. He ultimately contributed one goal and six assists in 34 appearances, a standout performer who routinely brought fans to their feet with some deft touches and delightful passes that helped Juve open up well-organized defenses. 

Signed at a cost of €40.4 million from Valencia, his contributions were lauded unanimously, with Juve and Italy legend Antonio Cabrini among those singing his praises. 

“Fullback, pure winger, and why not even a midfielder?” the World Cup 1982 winner told the Corriere di Torino. “He gives the impression of being able to do a lot, almost everything!”



He was not the only one and, after a win over Bologna back in September, Allegri used his post-match press conference to claim that “Cancelo has the qualities to become the best fullback in the world.” 

Analyzing what the player brings to the table reinforces that opinion, with the Juve man operating at a high level almost every time he takes to the field. Cancelo’s defensive numbers are clearly the weakest area of his game, averaging 2.0 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per 90 minutes last term while committing 1.5 fouls. 

That obviously shows room for improvement, but once Juve won back possession, Cancelo’s best attributes came shining through. He recorded an impressive 2.8 successful take-ons per 90 minutes in ‘18-19, a number that according to Opta data was the highest mark by any fullback in Europe’s top five leagues who made a minimum of 20 league starts. 

He also ranked 19th in chances created (1.6 per 90 minutes) and was excellent in exploiting space to stretch opposing teams beyond their normal limits. Whether hugging the touchline or darting infield, his movement created gaps which Ronaldo and Federico Bernardeschi could then plunder, the advantage of having such an intelligent and high-caliber player behind them repeatedly paying dividends. 



All of which makes those transfer rumors somewhat unnerving for supporters of the Old Lady, fans who have no desire to see Mattia De Sciglio given an extended run against the very best sides. It is in those games where Cancelo is most useful, his understanding with international teammate Ronaldo slowly starting to replicate the relationship CR7 enjoyed with Marcelo at Real Madrid. 

Thanks to the energy, constant forward motion and attacking zeal with which he plays, Cancelo is a perfect match for a coach like Sarri, who will demand technical ability from every member of his team as he installs his high-octane methods that thrive on quick passes and lots of movement. 

For Juve to rob themselves of a player as gifted as Cancelo would be unforgivably ludicrous and, fortunately, it seems the club’s managerial team agree. As the weeks have progressed, the talk of a move to England have abated, and it seems the Old Lady’s “other” Portuguese star will be staying in Turin. 

Much has changed about Juventus this summer, but they definitely still need João Cancelo.

Adam Digby is an Italian football writer for FourFourTwo, The Independent, and elsewhere. Author of "Juventus: A History In Black & White." Follow Adam on Twitter.