Joao Cancelo joined FC Barcelona on loan from Manchester City this summer transfer window. He was the main candidate identified by Xavi to strengthen Barcelona’s right-back position and his arrival is already having a positive impact on the team.
The fullback has gelled into the team immediately after arriving on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. Since arriving at Barcelona, he has already scored two goals and given one assist in his three La Liga appearances.
Fears about Cancelo’s discipline
As Mundo Deportivo has noted, there were doubts about the character and attitude of Cancelo when the club was still undecided on which target to pursue to strengthen their right flank. The quality of the fullback has never been in question, but there were worrying media reports about his attitude in the locker room at his previous clubs.
He was allegedly involved in a clash with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, who left him out of his plans during the last season and pushed him to a loan to another side in the winter.
While Barcelona were interested in Cancelo then too, Manchester City decided to loan him to Bayern Munich, where he once again was unable to understand and comply with Julian Nagelsmann’s demands.
Xavi’s gamble paying off
However, Xavi remained adamant that he wanted Cancelo at Barcelona, and outlined Aubameyang’s example with the club, as he was another player who had a history of bad disciplinary record with Arsenal. And observing from his performances up to now, Xavi’s gamble is paying the club off.
The player is also fast becoming a favorite of the fans, especially after a video was uploaded by his partner showing him teaching his daughter the Barcelona anthem.
Thus, fears about his character and attitude are quickly dissolving, but it is becoming clear that Cancelo does have a character, a positive one which was seen in the match against Celta Vigo.