The Joao Cancelo tactical role proved decisive against Levante as Hansi Flick abandoned the high line to unlock Barcelona’s creative potential. The German manager needed a response after recent stumbles. He found it by dismantling the chaotic “brain hemorrhage” midfield pairing of Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo. Instead, he deployed Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal as a double pivot. This shift brought stability. More importantly, Flick instructed the defense to drop deeper. This invited Levante forward and created the necessary space for rapid transition attacks.
Flick’s Tactical Gamble Pays Off
This match was not just about three points. It was a proof of concept for a new way of playing. By abandoning the “infinite high press,” Barcelona allowed their creative players to breathe. The 5-4-1 low block of Levante usually frustrates possession-heavy teams. However, the deeper starting position of the Barca defense drew the opponent out.
This space allowed Joao Cancelo to become the sharpest weapon on the pitch. Nova Sports News analyzed his movement map, and it resembled a number 10 more than a defender. He did not hug the touchline. Instead, he drifted into the “Zone 14” pocket in front of the penalty area.
His impact was devastating. For the first goal, Cancelo drifted to the edge of the box. He executed a brilliant pre-assist to setup Eric Garcia, who fed Bernal. Later, he delivered a pinpoint cross from the left half-space. Frenkie de Jong met it perfectly to score the second. The stats back up his dominance. Cancelo completed 91% of his passes and created three key chances. He essentially ran the left-sided attack by himself.
The Perfect Foil for Raphinha
This setup suits the Portuguese star perfectly because of who plays in front of him. The current left-winger, Raphinha, thrives off the ball. He makes diagonal runs that drag defenders away from the flank. This dynamic requires a left-back who can handle the ball and create in the final third.
Alejandro Balde relies on speed and overlapping runs. While effective, he offers a different profile. Hansi Flick tactics now demand elite ball processing when facing stubborn defenses. Cancelo excels here. When the team drops deeper, he finds pockets of space to exploit. He becomes a playmaker rather than just a defender. This synergy with Raphinha allows Barcelona to overload the central areas without losing width.
High Risk, High Reward
However, this system is not without flaws. The Joao Cancelo tactical role comes with a price. He lost possession 19 times during the match. His adventurous positioning often leaves the left flank exposed to counter-attacks. Against a stronger team than Levante, this could be fatal.
This reality places Flick in a dilemma. Cancelo offers the a piercing, unpredictable attack. Yet, he lacks the defensive discipline of Jules Koundé or the recovery pace of Balde.
Nova Sports News concludes that Cancelo likely won’t start every game. He is not the permanent engine of the team. Instead, he is a specialized weapon. When Barcelona needs to break down a low block or unlock a tight game, Cancelo is the first option. For defensive battles, he may return to the bench. Flick has found a way to maximize his most creative defender, adding a dangerous layer to Barcelona’s title charge.
