Joao Cancelo: Rating his season by the numbers
One of the biggest questions surrounding this summer's squad revolution is the futures of both Joaos. For now, let's look at Joao Cancelo's performance this season and see how he measures up.
Offensively
In 38 matches, Joao Cancelo scored 4 goals, while contributing with 3.9 progressive Carries and 2.5 successful take-ons per 90 min. This places Cancelo amoung the 85th percentile for wing backs offensively. Impressive numbers, so it's fair to say that Cancelo has met expectations in this aspect of this game.
Playmaking
Likewise, Cancelo was also able to provide 4 assists in the 38 matches he participated in. He attempts an average of 68 passes per 90 min, maintaining an 83% pass completion ratio. These stats place him un the 89th percentile amoung wing backs, which should come as no surprise from a player that studied Tiki-Taka under Guardiola. Once again, these stats should please Barcelona fans.
Defensively
Unfortunately, this is where Cancelo falls short compared to others in his position. Placing within the 69th percentile for wing backs, Cancelo's standout traits include his 2.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 2.1 clearances per 90 minutes. His defensive stats are by no means abysmal, but we've seen Cancelo drop a few defensive disasterclasses this season so this should by no means be a surprise. This is one aspect of his game that needs improvement.
Conclusion
Overall, Cancelo places in the 82nd percentile of wing backs in the game, which is actually quite good. While there certainly are better wing backs out there, Barcelona's financial situation would make it difficult to fund any player better than Joao Cancelo. Furthermore, Cancelo has proven to be equally effective at both RB and LB, which is something very, very few wing backs can boast. Cancelo is 30 this season though, menaing that he has 2-3 more season at top level before age starts to deteriorate his game. In short, the gentleman's agreement with Manchester City of 25 mil for a permanent transfer seems like a wise investment for the Blaugrana. If not, another loan move wouldn't be a bad option either. Either way, let me know what you guys think in the comments below!
Comments
In his defence he looks like good family guy. But here we are talking about player as a defender. He is not the best and all teams attacked Barca this season from the same side where Cancelo was playing whether right back or left back.
Play making aspect of his game doesn't please me. And I'm not sure, it will please others. Numbers and Stats by the way, don't tell the whole story. He has been a utterly mediocre when it mattered. That's the analysis that counts. Offensively, he's simply an over hype. That's the truth. 4 goals does nothing to prove any offensive ability that has worked in out favor or gained points for the team. Next question should be: how many of those 4 goals were game changing and match winning goals, and which also gained points for the team. And yeah, not every one understands the numerical Percentile expression that you employed in this analysis. If you can do that, lay people can engage the substance of the stats. Yes. I want a revamp of the squad esp Cancelo's spot on the team. And i remember we had an opportunity to sign Jose Gaya one time like that. We passed up the chance and he was cheaper than Cancelo, I believe.