A reportedly frustrated Cancelo shone in the Bavarian derby

João Cancelo is said to be frustrated with his lack of minutes at Bayern Munich over the last month. He was given the opportunity to start during the line-up rotation in the Bavarian derby against FC Augsburg and shone on the pitch. Still, he was not the player of the match.

“Cancelo is frustrated in Germany,” or “He is noticeably detached in training.” These were the headlines of many newspapers in recent weeks. They were reacting to Cancelo’s limited role in the team over the last month.

In the Bavarian derby between Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg, he was given space in the starting line-up during the team rotation and it must be admitted that he made the most of his chance. He added an assist to the Bavarian side’s first goal on the last one, from Alphonso Davies.

All in all, Bayern outshot their opponents in the eight-goal game 5-3 and Cancelo was one of the best players on the field. He was heavily involved in the game, with 86 touches of the ball he managed 56 passes, 47 of them successful.

That’s a success rate of 84%, a good number in the high-field role Cancelo plays. Two successful dribbles, 9 out of 14 ground duels won and six defensive actions complete the impressive picture. The only blemish is a yellow card late in the game.

After Alphonso Davies was substituted in favour of Noussair Mazraoui, who returned after a prolonged absence caused by a viral infection the Moroccan international brought back from the World Cup, Cancelo moved to the left edge of the pitch.

Despite his performance, Cancelo was not the best player on the pitch. That honour goes to one of the Pavard, Sané pairing. The French defender scored two goals and gave an outstanding performance individually, winning all his duels and achieving a passing success rate of over 90%.

With three goals scored, some may find it questionable to award the man of the match award to a defender. Therefore, Leroy Sané also has a good argument. It suits the German winger to play more from the centre of the pitch, from where he scored one goal today and created the other, the one by Cancelo.

With Davies on the left, where Cancelo can also alternate, and the excellent form of Coman playing in a role on the right edge of midfield, he will still have strong competition for space on the pitch.

Especially with Mazraoui back on the pitch. The width of the squad is Bayern Munich’s strength, as PSG have found out. Cancelo will have to accept the competition for the opportunity. However, he has made it clear to the coach that he belongs on the pitch.

Sources: Bundesliga