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11 October 2018
Joao Cancelo, the Portuguese whirlwind
A Portugal international is becoming a fan favourite at Juventus. We are not talking about the Maurice Revello Tournament 2003 winner Cristiano Ronaldo. We’re talking about his fellow countryman Joao Cancelo. Signed by the Old Lady this summer, the 24-year-old right-back has made a dream start to life at Turin.
“He still has to improve, because he’s still missing a little something to be the best in the world.” Through these words, the Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has attempted to play down the hype surrounding Joao Cancelo. Thanks to a string of strong performances, the 24-year-old right back has quickly repaid the faith shown in him by the Italian champions who spent around €40M to sign him from Valencia.
The Italian observers, who were already seduced by his 2017-2018 season spent on loan at Inter Milan, are full of praise for Cancelo who played the Maurice Revello Tournament in 2014.
“Fullback, pure winger and why not even a midfielder. He gives the impression of being able to do a lot, almost everything," said the World Cup 1982 winner Antonio Cabrini to the Corriere di Torino
The latest display produced by the Portugal international (9 caps, 3 goals) has confirmed his good form. Fast, resistant, dribbler, Cancelo has been outstanding against Udinese (2-0) and has been rewarded with an assist for his teammate Rodrigo Bentancur.
While Serie A boasts a lot of technically gifted players, it’s interesting to see that Cancelo has completed 17 dribbles in the Italian top flight this season so far, more than any player.
17 - Joao #Cancelo completed 17 dribbles in the Serie A 2018-19, no player done better so far. Supremacy. pic.twitter.com/gefUvoeR67
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) 7 octobre 2018
His club career appears to be on the right track. Now, Cancelo has to reach the same success on the international scene. Not selected for both Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018, the Juventus player forced his way back in the Seleçao since September. Aiming to show his huge talent to the world !
Amayes Brahmi
