The importance of João Cancelo and how his rise to form has helped Manchester City in recent weeks

João Cancelo has recently displayed his best form since joining Manchester City last season, much to the delight of manager Pep Guardiola.

As Manchester City breezed past Chelsea in the 3-1 win over the weekend, many plaudits, and rightly so, would go to Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden for their outstanding performances at Stamford Bridge.

However one player that has gone under the radar is João Cancelo, who after a slow start to life in Manchester, has been consistently one of City’s standout performers this season.

In the previous two fixtures in which Kyle Walker has been absent due to Covid-19, Cancelo has stepped in and put in two excellent performances. He received man of the match against Newcastle and provided a constant attacking threat overlapping on the right wing, while again at the weekend against Chelsea, he delivered another faultless performance.

Due to his versatility, he is a manager’s dream, and Pep Guardiola has most definitely utilised this aspect of the Portuguese international’s game. Cancelo has been used on either side of the back four, as well as occupying a midfield space earlier on in the season against Arsenal as he tucked inside from the right wing position.

In a team like Manchester City, managed by the tactical genius that is Pep Guardiola, he is the perfect player to have at your disposal. Often in recent weeks City have adopted a 3-4-4 formation when in possession of the ball, a system that very much suits the likes of Cancelo as he is able to showcase his attacking flare, taking up a more advanced role.

Have City found their solution?

Manchester City have faced problems this season no doubt about it, with a leaky defence the main cause for concern at the start of the season. However the signing of Ruben Dias, and the revival of John Stones’ City career seems to have gone a long way to fixing the problem. The two have formed a great partnership at the heart of the defence, conceding just once in 630 minutes while playing together this season.

One other area in which City have been struggling this year is in front of goal. Injuries have hampered Sergio Agueros season, as the Argentinian has suffered with a knee injury since late June last year. Goals have been few and far between for City as they are joint lowest scorers out of the top ten, level with West Ham on 24, but have recent games suggested Guardiola’s men have turned a corner?

Having scored nine goals in their previous three games in all competitions, including the dismantling of Chelsea at the weekend, is it too early to suggest Manchester City are getting back to their best? With their watertight defence and now having looked to have put their attacking problems behind them, they look a real force to be reckoned with.

Up next for City is a short trip across town to arch enemies Manchester United in an eagerly anticipated Carabao Cup semi-final. The Blues will look to continue their good form of late, as they chase their fourth consecutive title in this competition.

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