Starting a mere 13 games in the Premier League during his debut season, Joao Cancelo endured a hellish start to life at Manchester City.
The Portuguese international struggled to displace Kyle Walker at right-back and showed little to no signs of why City had forked out a £60 million fee to sign him.
However, as is the case with several signings under Pep Guardiola at City, time has proven that the 27-year-old is one hell of a footballer.
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So much so that many have claimed that the former Juventus defender is arguably the best full-back in Europe.
Just last season, the Benfica academy graduate left the world awestruck by not just deputising adeptly at left-back, but having a strong claim of being the standout player in the position.
During the 2020/2021 campaign as well, the silky technician’s inverted role was akin to that of an attacking midfielder, as he looked right at home in what is widely regarded as a complex tactical responsibility.
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As the defender plans to enjoy another successful personal season, he discussed one of the primary factors that has kept his motivation alive and kicking.
“I try to improve myself every year.
"The last two years I was in the PFA Team of the Year. I want to keep that going,” he revealed, as quoted by Manchester City’s official website.
City’s new number seven continued, “I think that only with the help of my teammates, only if we win titles and if we have a good championship on a collective level, we have a better chance of being individually in the Team of the Year.
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"That is why I think we must win titles collectively. The most important thing is the team. Only then the individual awards arrive.”
The ex-Valencia right-back went on to express his desire to lift the Premier League title for the third time running next season.
“Obviously, now we have an extra responsibility because we must keep this title, which is the Premier League.
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"In the last five years we have won four of them. I think the expectations are upon us. I think that is good for the responsibility that we must have.”
Cancelo also gave an insight into his love for playing football by saying: “The truth is that I already missed football (over the summer). I cannot go long periods without playing football! I love playing football.
"It is the thing I like to do the most.
"For me, it is always good to come back, and even more if it is at this club, Manchester City, which has given me so many positive things.”
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It seems as if Cancelo is heading into the 2022/23 season with the mindset of breaking further barriers on an individual and collective level, which is exactly the kind of mentality one expects from the very best.
Topics: Manchester City, Joao Cancelo, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand