Joao Cancelo is making an increasingly strong case for a prominent role in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona team, with his performance against Galatasaray leaving the Turkish side’s dressing room impressed.
According to SPORT, the Portuguese full-back caught the attention of Galatasaray’s players during Barcelona’s 4-1 victory in Istanbul.
Notably, Cancelo’s goal was a highlight of a productive spell since his return to Barcelona.
In a match where Barcelona found themselves trailing, the Portuguese’s finish levelled the score before half-time, helping change the course of a match that had presented problems for the Catalans.
Cancelo strengthens his case amid Barcelona competition
Cancelo’s resurgence has coincided with the emergence of Xavi Espart, whose performances have earned him opportunities under Flick.
Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona
Cancelo is on a great goalscoring run. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The young academy graduate even moved ahead of the Portuguese at certain points early in the season, creating greater competition for places.
Rather than allowing that competition to become an obstacle, Cancelo has responded with convincing displays.
The situation has raised the standard for both players, giving Flick more options as he manages Barcelona’s defensive positions.
For what it is worth, Cancelo offers a different profile from a conventional full-back, as technical ability, composure in tight spaces and willingness to advance into attacking areas allow the team to create additional passing options and stretch opposing defences.
He can carry the ball into advanced positions, find teammates between the lines and arrive in scoring areas when opportunities emerge.
FC Barcelona players
Galatasaray players were impressed with Joao Cancelo. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Those qualities are particularly useful for a Barcelona side that frequently faces opponents determined to limit space in the final third.
The response from Galatasaray’s dressing room just shows the impression Cancelo made in a demanding European fixture.
His performance in Istanbul demonstrated how his attacking instincts can complement his defensive responsibilities, particularly when Barcelona need an individual contribution to unlock a game.
The equaliser against the Turkish champions was an important example. Following Olmo’s recovery, Cancelo took his opportunity with precision, providing Barcelona with momentum before the interval.
Interestingly, it was not an isolated contribution, either, as the Portuguese had already scored twice against Racing Santander and found the net for Portugal, extending a productive run across club and international football.