Matheus Nunes has claimed that a player Manchester City sent on loan this summer can play anywhere on a football pitch.
Versatility is one of the most identifiable traits in a Pep Guardiola player.
The existence of these traits is why Guardiola’s sides tend to dominate league seasons despite him having quite a small squad at his disposal.
Matheus Nunes says Man City loanee was incredibly versatile
Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan from City at Barcelona was and certainly remains a very versatile player, who Matheus Nunes has lauded mainly due to this reason.
Manchester City’s number 27 told the club’s official in-house media: “[Joao] Cancelo could play as a winger, as a [number] 10, as a midfielder, he could play everywhere. Quality, both feet, dribbling, unbelievable, crosses, unbelievable.”
Nunes added: “He could play street football every weekend, I swear.”
In March, Cancelo admitted that previously, he felt he was one of the best full-backs in the world but he does not reckon that is the case anymore.
When he was playing for City, the Portuguese international was rated one of the best in the world, alongside names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Achraf Hakimi and Andy Robertson to name a few.
Paul Merson felt the way he operated as an inverted full-back at the Etihad Stadium changed football.
Joao Cancelo has the technique to play in most positions
It is difficult to disagree with Matheus Nunes about how versatile Joao Cancelo is as a player.
Especially because Nunes has trained and played with Cancelo for years at international level.
Pep Guardiola deployed the former Inter Milan defender in a variety of roles — primarily as both an inverted and a traditional wide full-back on both flanks.
In our view, the reason why Cancelo’s adaptation to such positional demands was seamless was due to his splendid technique.
The 29-year-old is a phenomenal technician, blessed with the ability to beat players, pull out flicks and tricks akin to a top winger, a wonderful first touch and an enviable passing range. In tight areas as well, Cancelo finds it easy to wriggle out of such situations with a swiftly-played pass or his quick feet.
As a result, Joao Cancelo has always been naturally versatile — an aspect of his game that his international teammate Matheus Nunes might not be surprised by anymore.
