# João Cancelo's Wing Assist Analysis at Barcelona: A Comprehensive Study on His Performance in La Liga

## Introduction

João Cancelo, a versatile Portuguese defender, has been a pivotal figure for Barcelona since his arrival in 2021. Known for his speed, versatility, and defensive prowess, Cancelo has primarily operated as a wing-back for the Catalan giants, contributing significantly to their success in La Liga. This article delves into Cancelo's performance, focusing on his role as a wing-back, his defensive contributions, and his overall impact on Barcelona's campaign during the 2022-2023 season.

## The Role of a Wing-Back

In modern football, wing-backs are expected to perform a dual role: attacking and defending. Cancelo excels in this dual function, providing width to Barcelona's play while maintaining a high defensive line. His ability to cover ground quickly and deliver dangerous crosses makes him a standout asset in attack, while his positional awareness ensures he doesn't get caught out of position defensively.

## Impact on Barcelona's Attack

One of Cancelo's most notable contributions is his role in creating scoring opportunities. His wing-back position allows him to act as a floating point attacker, delivering crosses into the box that target forwards like Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan. During the 2022-2023 season,La Liga News Flash Cancelo consistently delivered pinpoint crosses, leading to numerous scoring chances. For instance, his cross for Lewandowski's goal against Real Madrid was a perfect example of his ability to influence the game in the final third.

## Defensive Prowess

While Cancelo is primarily recognized for his attacking qualities, his defensive work rate and intelligence cannot be overlooked. As a wing-back, he often tracks back to help his central defenders, providing an extra layer of defense. His ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly ensures that Barcelona's backline remains compact and organized. Cancelo's defensive contributions have been particularly crucial in preventing opponents from breaking down Barcelona's midfield.

## Statistical Analysis

To quantify Cancelo's impact, let's look at some key stats from the 2022-2023 season:

- **Passes Completed:** Cancelo completed 85% of his passes, showcasing his ability to dictate play.

- **Tackles Won:** He averaged 2.5 tackles per game, a remarkable statistic for a wing-back.

- **Interceptions:** Cancelo made 48 interceptions, highlighting his role in breaking up opponents' plays.

- **Key Passes:** He delivered 35 key passes, contributing directly to goals.

## Conclusion

João Cancelo has proven to be a cornerstone of Barcelona's defense and attack. His ability to perform in both boxes, coupled with his work rate and positional intelligence, makes him one of the most valuable players in La Liga. As Barcelona aims to retain their title next season, Cancelo's continued consistency and versatility will be crucial to their success. His story at Camp Nou is a testament to his ability to adapt and excel in a high-pressure environment.

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