Cancelo warns Flick: his Portugal role opens new Barça option | OneFootball

João Cancelo once again showed with Portugal that his attacking ability remains one of his main weapons. The full-back was one of the standout players against Denmark and capped off his performance with a goal, the thirteenth he has scored for Portugal’s senior national team.

His display once again highlighted how easily he gets into attacking areas, links up with his teammates, and becomes a threat despite starting from defense.

Cancelo can also shine on the right

One of the Portuguese player’s standout traits is his ability to adapt to both flanks. While he has established himself mainly as a left-back at Barcelona, with Portugal he plays on the right due to the presence of Nuno Mendes on the left.

And the switch in sides has not reduced his attacking influence.

Cancelo finds it easy to push forward, combine near the box, and arrive from deep. In addition, when he starts on the left, he can take advantage of his tendency to cut inside and look for a shot, a weapon he has already used successfully at Barcelona.

However, his performance with Portugal also made it clear that he can offer important solutions from right-back.

An alternative for Hansi Flick

The Portuguese player’s form comes at a time when Hansi Flick has different options to reshape his full-back positions.

On the left, the German coach has found an alternative with the emergence of Xavi Espart, while the right side is affected by the physical condition of some players.

Eric García had to leave Spain’s training camp due to discomfort, although it is not initially considered a serious injury and he is expected to be available for Barcelona’s next match against Getafe.

If Eric is not fully fit, Cancelo emerges as one of the alternatives to fill the right flank.

Flick will have to decide between attack and balance

The decision will also depend on the balance the coach wants to maintain.

When he uses an attack-minded full-back on one side, Flick usually looks for a player with stronger defensive and recovery qualities on the other flank. In that scenario, Jules Koundé or Eric García himself can offer a different profile from Cancelo.

But the Portuguese player’s performance with his national team sends a clear message: if Flick needs more width, link-up play, and attacking threat from the right, Cancelo is showing that he can deliver.

His goal against Denmark not only added to his tally with Portugal; it also reminded Barcelona that the full-back can be a hugely influential attacking piece from either flank.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.