Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 12.
Joao Cancelo (MCI)
Cancelo has been Manchester City’s most important player this season.
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The Portuguese defender is consistently outstanding in both full-back positions, supplying great width, creativity and defensive nous.
He has produced four assists in his last two appearances in all competitions, while his dangerous cross which forced an own goal from Eric Bailly in the Manchester derby was tantamount to an extra assist.
Everton will need to limit the 27-year-old's influence if they are to get a positive result at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday.
Cancelo is in the form of his life and an invaluable tactical weapon for Pep Guardiola.
Cancelo assists in last two matches
Remarkably it is Cancelo, with nine starts at left-back and two at right-back, who has fired off the most shots for Man City this season.
Indeed, his 15 attempts on goal make him the highest-shooting Premier League defender.
A natural ball carrier, he loves to stride forward and test goalkeepers when space opens up for him.
He frequently pops up on the inside of Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, who have teed up the Portugal international for six shots each.
Cancelo's rank among PL defenders
| 2021/22 | Total | MCI rank | Defenders rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shots (excl. blocks) | 15 | 1st | 1st |
| Passes into final third | 124 | 1st | 1st |
| Open-play crosses | 36 | 1st | 4th |
| Forward passes | 293 | 1st | 4th |
Cancelo is also a creative force to be reckoned with. He has made more forward passes than any of his team-mates this season and sent the most number of passes into the final third.
He supplies regular ammunition from the flanks, whipping 36 crosses into the box from open play, which is 14 more than the next-closest City player, Phil Foden.
Breaking the lines
Guardiola's men often encounter deep-lying opponents who put 10 or 11 men behind the ball.
It would be no surprise if Rafael Benitez’s Everton set up in that way for the majority of this weekend's match.
In such a scenario, it would be easy for Man City to be lulled into making a stream of safe passes from side to side, so it is important they have players who can run with the ball and make the all-important breakthrough.
Cancelo is outstanding at this and relishes the chance to bring the ball forward.
Only Grealish and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore have made more ball carries per 90 minutes this season.
Most PL ball carries per 90
| 2021/22 | Ball carries/90 |
|---|---|
| Jack Grealish | 24 |
| Adama Traore | 21 |
| Joao Cancelo | 19 |
| Allan Saint-Maximin | 18 |
| Wilfried Zaha | 17 |
While Cancelo is primarily regarded as an attack-minded full-back, he also knows how to break up play.
His 63 ball recoveries this term are second only to defensive midfielder Rodri at City. But it is his ability to pounce on stray passes that sets him apart.
The table below shows he is in a league of his own when it comes to making interceptions for the champions.
Most Man City interceptions
| 2021/22 | Interceptions |
|---|---|
| Joao Cancelo | 26 |
| Gabriel Jesus | 6 |
| Bernardo Silva | 5 |
| Kyle Walker | 5 |
| Rodri | 5 |
| Ruben Dias | 5 |
From a tactical standpoint, Cancelo ticks so many boxes.
Whether positioned on the inside or the outside when City have the ball, he is always prepared to provide creativity and drive.
Meanwhile, in a defensive capacity he is superb at blocking off passes in central midfield and dealing with wingers in 1v1 situations.
In a league boasting a plethora of talented full-backs, Cancelo makes a strong case to be considered the very best.
Also in this series
Part 2: Can Leicester stop Chelsea's lively wing-backs?
Part 3: Hardworking Arsenal can spring rare Anfield surprise
