Joao Cancelo names two other positions he could play in for Manchester City

As Joao Cancelo burst into life in his second season at Manchester City, fans and pundits alike were left awestruck by his ability to operate in the middle of the park.

Due to being deployed as an inverted right-back, the Portuguese international essentially functioned in central midfield and that too, in stellar fashion.

While tucking inside when Manchester City were in possession and dropping back to a more traditional right-back role when defending, the former Juventus man looked right at home while being tasked with one of the most complex roles in the side.

The 28 year-old’s glittering performances led him to earn his place in the 2020/21 Premier League Team of the Year, as he shone in a role that showcased his multifaceted skillset.

However, Joao Cancelo’s versatility truly came to the fore last term, in which he stole the show as a left-back for a majority of the campaign.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko suffering initial fitness issues, Cancelo was instructed to operate in an unnatural role.

Putting every possible doubt to bed, the silky technician’s magnificent showings led many to crown him as the most in-form left-back in Europe during the previous season.

Despite being naturally right footed, Joao Cancelo arguably surpassed the heights he had reached at the Etihad Stadium in his natural position out on the left flank.

With the two-time Premier League champion being both a jack and a master of all trades, he was quizzed about what other positions he can see himself playing in for Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I don’t think centre forward but maybe I could become a winger, maybe I could play as a midfielder”, he said in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

He added, “At the end of the day, it will be the manager’s decision where I play.

"Wherever he puts me on the bench, I will give my best.”

Joao Cancelo’s excellent versatility is his strength, and with him being one of the gifted natural footballers in the world whilst also possessing a unique football IQ, it would not be a surprise to see him shine in whichever position he is tasked to.

After a trip to Barcelona for a charity friendly, Joao Cancelo and Manchester City will return to Premier League action.

That will come in the form of hosting Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium - their second home match of the new season.