Modern full-backs have become a rare breed with those of the highest quality in most demand. Many of the new systems employed by managers heavily involve the use of full-backs or wing-backs as an integral part of the build-up phase. Juventus were on the search for a new right-back last summer with Stephan Lichsteiner having left at the end of his contract, prompting the purchase of Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola is renowned for his use of full-backs in an unorthodox fashion making Manchester City one of the most feared oppositions in European football today. His usage of Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy – when fit has been devastating, to say the least. Full-backs are more than just defenders now. They are a gateway between defence and attack allowing wide forwards and wingers the freedom to move inside or stay out wide.
Mendy and Walker cost Manchester City £50 million emphasising the value to Guardiola. Jurgen Klopp had prioritised the need for effective and efficient full-backs by introducing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson who has been monumental to Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League run in recent seasons. The level required to perform at the highest level is ever-growing and modern full-back must adapt accordingly.
Juventus have been reliant on their full-backs since Antonio Conte’s three-year reign where he employed a 3-4-3 formation using the two wing-backs as the fundamental base of his formation. Massimiliano Allegri continued that tradition by allowing his full-backs to push forward and assist the forward line with their latest acquisition changing their attacking dynamic.
Joao Cancelo had been thought to be securing a permanent move to Inter Milan after a one-year loan spell, but Juventus swiftly swooped in once the Nerrazurri decided against it. Cancelo’s transfer fee of £40 million raised a few eyebrows but he has silenced his critics. The Portuguese full-back has been one the Bianconeri’s most important players with his potent attacking and speed threat. His form has been stable having made 26 appearances this season; Cancelo has finally produced consistency at a high level.
I will look to dissect the Portuguese full-back’s qualities and the capabilities he brings to this Juventus team.
Joao Cancelo: Juventus marauding right-back
The 24-year-old right-back is a versatile player that can play across various positions. A right-winger in his youth, Cancelo was converted into an attacking right-back with incredible delivery and output.
The Portuguese defender looks to get forward at every opportunity with a preference to cross rather than play inside the channels. With a preference to hug the touchline, he looks to take advantage of Juventus’ superior forward line which includes the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He attempts 6.95 dribbles per game with a 67.8% success rate, mirroring his preference to play further up the pitch. Having taken all the attributes of a traditional winger, Cancelo has applied those skills to his right-back position and more often than not is able to terrorise opposition defences with his direct running and pace. Teams are forced to double up on him to try and contain his attacking intent, leaving space for Juve’s winger or attacking-midfielder to exploit.
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