Why Joao Cancelo could potentially solve the LB conundrum at Man City

[A Thread]

Guardiola has tried to use Mendy as a maurading fullback similar to how Dani Alves played for him at Barcelona, by pushing high and allowing the wingers to drift into central areas. Due to mendys injury’s and lack of consistency this hasn’t worked.

Zinchenko has often been the main player to fill in for Mendy, as he’s a natural midfielder he has become an inverted fullback. But Zinchenko is suspect defensively and thus that idea does not always work

This formation could see city back to their best and could allow us to play like we did in 17/18. And Cancelo could be key to that

Starting as a natural 433 in defence, it would transition into a 3223 in attack to help control the ball and allow Bernardo and de Bruyne to work in the half spaces. Cancelo could become the perfect inverting fullback to perfect this system dropping beside Rodri in midfield

Cancelo has brilliant passing ability, has great control on the ball and also has good defensive ability. As an inverted fullback beside Rodri he would help prevent quick counters and also speed up the passing from midfield to attack.

The only issue this setup could cause is the fact that Cancelo is naturally right footed, but because of Bernardo’s energy and ability to drop deep he can cover that left channel with Cancelo and Laporte to prevent quick attacks

This setup would also work if teams decide to play a low block against us and Cancelo can also push forward and wide and take on defenders as Rodri drops into the back 3 to allow walker to also push forward, spreading the play against the low block

Like pep did at Bayern, Cancelo can play a similar role to what alaba played as he is one of the most gifted fullbacks on the ball in world football.