In just a few days, Barcelona supporters have come to terms with the fact that Pep Guardiola was correct about Joao Cancelo from the beginning.
His performances against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain demonstrate that he is not a player of the highest caliber and most definitely does not deserve a long-term deal with Barcelona.
He might, at most, get another loan contract, but he could have to settle for second best given how poorly he performed in the two biggest games of the season thus far.
He is and has been a capable enough additional offensive presence going forward.
He has both played some good balls in and been the recipient of some crosses.
Joan Cancelo’s main duty is to defend, though, and far too often he has fallen short in crucial situations.
It was just as unacceptable to switch off for Lucas Vazquez’s goal against Real Madrid as it was to foul Ousmane Dembele during the Paris Saint-Germain match.
In both cases, Barcelona lost the match as a result of these regrettable choices.
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Be cautious what you wish for if you’re supporting him and thinking that Barcelona’s lack of depth is a good enough excuse to carry him.
After spending enough time at the club, he is now familiar with the subtleties of what it takes to succeed on the squad.
He still lacks the ability to apply even the most fundamental defensive concepts, which speaks volumes about how incapable or unresponsive he is as a player. Alternatively, both.
The goal by Vazquez particularly bothers me.
It is unlikely that he was genuinely “match fit” given how little Los Blancos have used him this season, but he routinely cruised past Cancelo in the encounter.
Though unfortunate, the goal didn’t come as a huge surprise because the Portuguese had little trouble keeping up with him.
Cancelo appears to be a player who still has a lot to learn because he has a tendency to watch the ball when in defensive mode.
It’s now evident why neither of the first two teams wanted him and why his tenure at the two Italian powerhouses was brief. That shouldn’t even be taken into consideration for a 29-year-old guy who has played for Man City and Bayern as well as Inter, Juve, and us.
His defensive shortcomings make him a burden, and the only reasons we could decide to keep him would be if Jorge Mendes has cemented his position at Barça or if club management is happy with any other possibilities at this moment.
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