2 - João Cancelo

BerkeleyBernie said:
He was always good. Flick created a system at Barca where his offensive talent could shine. Xavi's Barca was very static. Portugal's first game actually looked more Xavi like— passing around the back and down the wings with no threat in the middle. Fortunately, Martinez got rid of that today.
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Ehm... Uzbekistan... :lol:

Congo at least has some notable EPL players among others. The Uzbeks are all no-names from low tier leagues. They are easily top 5 worst teams at this World Cup, and with how many participate, this says something.
 
serghei said:
Ehm... Uzbekistan... :lol:

Congo at least has some notable EPL players among others. The Uzbeks are all no-names from low tier leagues. They are easily top 5 worst teams at this World Cup, and with how many participate, this says something.
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believe me sergh dude these small teams where everyone thinks they are easy are often the toughest oppenents you can have as a big team, look at Spain Cap Verde....
 
Fati said:
believe me sergh dude these small teams where everyone thinks they are easy are often the toughest oppenents you can have as a big team, look at Spain Cap Verde....
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Cap Verde just parked the bus, while Uzbekistan tried to win the ball in the midfield against QSG players. Mildly put, they were a very welcomed opponent for Portugal, let's be honest here.
 
serghei said:
Ehm... Uzbekistan... :lol:

Congo at least has some notable EPL players among others. The Uzbeks are all no-names from low tier leagues. They are easily top 5 worst teams at this World Cup, and with how many participate, this says something.
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Regardless, Portugal set up with a different formation than they did against DR Congo.


Typical of Portugal in the 1st half vs DR Congo. One midfielder (usually Vintinha) moving near the back line to help move the ball out but basically abandoning the middle of the park to DR Congo. No attempt to connect and penetrate through the middle lane, all along the left and right wings.port-mid.jpg
 
Technically, he is still a top 3 LB imo. Portugal are extremely lucky to have those fullbacks and midfield. He can still play for us with one year contracts (and extension on the basis of performance). Bring Lukeba to rotate with him and take his position slowly. Lukeba can do a CB/LB hybrid role and can be potentially a game changing transfer for us.
 
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Al Hilal are playing hardball so Deco having returned from secluded vacation said he is going to start on Cucurella and Grimaldo who are his 2nd and 3rd option.
 
BerkeleyBernie said:
Cancelo actually is a natural right back and Flick played him there several times. So that gives some flexibility if Barca can hire a good LB.
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If Transfermarkt is to be believed, he's played a total of 20 matches as a RB for us. I also remember he started as a RB until Balde suffered one of his injuries. But he did much better once he moved to the left. Don't think it's realistic to expect the same output on both flanks, despite his status.
 
Joan said:
If Transfermarkt is to be believed, he's played a total of 20 matches as a RB under Flick. I also remember he started as a RB for us until Balde suffered one of his injuries. But he did much better once he moved to the left. Don't think it's realistic to expect the same output on both flanks, despite his status.
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Rafinha is a more positionally fluid player than Lamal, which might account for some of Cancelo's excelling on the left.
 
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