Why swapping Joao Cancelo for Danilo has been a coup for Man City

According to Manchester City’s official website, City have completed the signing of Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo from Juventus. The agreement sees Manchester City full-back Danilo, 28, move in the opposite direction.

Joao Cancelo, 25, has signed a contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025 and becomes City’s third signing of the summer after Angelino and Rodri. He has been signed by Pep Guardiola’s club following an impressive debut season with Juventus.

The Portuguese won a lot of plaudits for his explosive displays down the right-hand side which produced one goal and five assists in 34 games as Juventus lifted an eighth successive Serie A title.

City would be glad that they managed to ship away Danilo before bringing in a new right-back. Cancelo is one of the best full-backs in Europe and has arrived at the club right during the prime years of his career.

He has a lot of experience playing at the highest level and European football, and also won a couple of trophies with Juventus last year. The full-back has also established himself as a regular starter in the Portugal national team.

Kyle Walker has been City’s first-choice right-back ever since joining from Tottenham in the summer of 2017. The England international is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League but he didn’t have an impressive 2018/19 despite being a regular fixture in the City side that completed the domestic treble.

Walker has often looked vulnerable in defence at times but a lack of competition meant Guardiola had to stick with the ex-Tottenham star.

Danilo was signed from Real Madrid to provide backup to Walker. However, the plan didn’t work out as the Brazilian proved himself to be an average defender and never really threatened to usurp Walker from Guardiola’s starting XI. Hence, it was a wise decision from Guardiola to offload Danilo in exchange for Cancelo.

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Cancelo, who is comfortable on either flank and also capable of playing in a more advanced position, is noted for his speed, energy and attacking qualities, as well as his technical skills, crossing ability and industry.

The Portugal international uses his pace to good effect in both offensive and defensive situations. He is a striker’s dream due to his creative skills in the opposition half.

Verdict

Swapping Cancelo for Danilo has undoubtedly been a massive coup for Pep Guardiola’s City. The Portuguese flyer has significantly bolstered Guardiola’s defensive options at the Etihad. He is a top acquisition and could even help the Cityzens retain the Premier League title.