Can Joao Cancelo replace Kyle Walker at Spurs?

Joao Cancelo is the latest name added to the list of potential Kyle Walker replacements. After three largely mixed seasons at Valencia it appears he won’t be around for a fourth. One of the original Peter Lim deals, represented by Jorge Mendes no less, Cancelo would join Andre Gomes and Enzo Perez as no longer needed by Los Che.

Cancelo cost Valencia just €15m which, even three years ago, represents decent value for money. The youngster was impressive in his native Portugal whilst almost enjoying success on the international stage. Cancelo, alongside Gomes, came in so Nuno Espiritu Santos could build this new look Valencia side around them. In the end, none of it worked out quite as planned.

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You won’t find many people in Valencia disappointed at the prospective sale of Cancelo but they didn’t get to see his best version either. There have been many games where the Portuguese starlet stood out, in a good way, and added an extra dimension to Valencia’s attack. The raw ability is there but whether it was the environment or the player himself, he hasn’t kicked on.

Development has stalled

Part of the problem is he’s very attack-minded, almost to the point of ignoring his defensive responsibilities. In an era where fullbacks are key to sides winning major trophies, it’s important you master both disciplines and not just one.

Cancelo’s speed and trickery are a delight for fans but when there’s a winger running at him, he’s about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Valencia noticed this weakness but kept playing him at right back, hoping more experience and time in that role would improve his defending. However it quickly became clear that it wasn’t going to work out. Admittedly in his second – and third – season the whole team was a disaster but it made little sense to add him to their problems. He moved further forward to play on the wing.

As with most stadiums, fans are less tolerant during difficult times. The fans didn’t forget Cancelo’s largely so-so performances and nor did Voro last year. There were groans when he lost possession and many questioned his involvement, even from the bench.

Unhappy on and off the pitch at Valencia

It was an uncomfortable situation for Cancelo, who let’s remember is still only 23, and it reached breaking point back in April. After coming on as a replacement for Jose Luis Gaya against Deportivo, Cancelo scored Valencia’s third goal. He celebrated, for lack of a better term, by signalling for Mestalla to be quiet. This didn’t help his cause at all.

“Cancelo, get out!” was the response from the fans. Almost immediately Cancelo, realising his error, put his hands together as if asking for their forgiveness. In the post-match interview he said: “Psychologically, I’m going through a rough time in my personal life. The crowd aren’t to blame. It’s a personal issue. I apologise for the gesture. I prefer not to talk (about things) but I’m here to help Valencia and achieve our objectives.”

The fans accepted the apology but the damage was already done. Cancelo doesn’t want to stay at Valencia, both from a personal and professional standpoint, and the fans know this. With money hard to come by he’s the most obvious person to move on, mainly because he isn’t first choice.

Cancelo would benefit from Pochettino’s guidance

In many ways he fits the profile of a typical Mauricio Pochettino signing. Cancelo is young and has the potential to become a very good fullback. With Pochettino’s three at the back system relying on the offensive duties of the wide men, Cancelo could thrive with a much more stable defence behind him. He’s got the pace to unsettle his marker, skills galore and a good level of fitness too. He wouldn’t be expensive either.

There are, however, notable concerns. Kieran Trippier, the only right back on the books at Spurs, is often criticised for his inability to defend against better opponents. Cancelo has the same flaws. The defensive side of his game requires a lot of work – and patience – for him to get up to scratch. Would Pochettino prefer someone he could mould but it’d take 4-6 months for a noted improvement, or would he rather someone a little more polished to take over from Walker?

Of course this too is dependent on how Pochettino values Trippier. We all saw him give the England international the nod for the important games at the back end of last season but does he see the player as ready to become first choice? And if he does, instead of looking elsewhere, might he choose to promote a young prospect such as Kyle Walker-Peters to play backup instead?

His price tag shouldn’t be an issue

The good news for Tottenham, if they follow up their interest with a bid, is that there doesn’t appear to be a long line of suitors for Cancelo. Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all contemplated signing him over the last two years. All have since cooled their interest.

The likely asking price rules out a lot of other sides. But, as was the case for Valencia, his signing represents something of a gamble. Pochettino will need to decide whether or not it’s one he feels is worth taking. Valencia will no doubt be after a small profit on the €15m they paid for him.

In the right environment, with the right team and coach around him, there’s still a huge upside to bringing in someone like Cancelo. If he moves elsewhere and begins to fulfil his potential his price tag is likely to swell to over €30m. Spurs hesitated when it came to Isco and now he’s unattainable. Cancelo isn’t anywhere near that level but the deal is at a similar crossroads.

Someone will take the risk – but will it be Spurs?