Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo is proud to be thought of as the best full-back in the game but is not bothered about goals and assists to prove it. While Cancelo is happy to get on the scoresheet and help the team, he used the example of Bernardo Silva’s contributions on the pitch to show why he doesn’t place much stock in judging players by goals and assists.
Joao Cancelo said: “People usually look a lot at the statistics: the goals and the assists. I don’t look at them. I think my last season was very good too, but obviously this season my numbers are splendid. I understand that some people would look only at your statistics, but we also have some players playing at great level whose numbers don’t reflect their performance. For instance, Bernardo Silva is an exceptional player, this season is having great numbers, but last season his statistics weren’t as good as now, and yet I rate him as one of the best players in the world. So, to base the analysis of a player or a team based on just numbers, it’s very relative. I don’t pay much attention to statistics. I’m just focused on performing well and trying to contribute with my game to the success of the team.”
There are no doubts that Cancelo has played a major part in City winning the league last season and topping the table on Christmas Day, with his intelligent play drifting between the lines from either flank regularly outfoxing opponents. The 27-year-old moved to City hoping to establish himself on the international stage, and Portugal manager Fernando Santos recently agreed that for him the player is the best in the world in his position.
Joao Cancelo responded: “Obviously, it’s a reason for pride if someone says you are the best in the world. I work hard every day to become the best I can be, in the training session and at the matches. I’m a professional 24/7, I live my job to the fullest, so if someone says you are the best in your position, it’s a reason to be proud. Fernando Santos is the manager of the national team, so it’s an even bigger reason for pride. I think it’s a great compliment especially coming from him as I consider him a great manager.”
