Benfica academy chief Magalhaes: Man City ace Cancelo developed his versatility with us

Football
14 Sep 2022 • 7:02 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

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Benfica academy chief Rodrigo Magalhaes has detailed the development of Manchester City wing-back Joao Cancelo.

The Portugal international is now regarded among the best in the world in his position.

Magalhaes, speaking with TMW, has recalled seeing Cancelo come through Benfica's youth system.

He said, "Cancelo trained with the Under 13s, plays like a winger but in our methodology, in Under 15 and 16 developed the features in multiple positions. From right wing, left wing, right and left back.

"Bernardo Silva in 7-a-side football played as a midfielder and a winger, in a tournament in Spain he also played as a central defender, quality.

"Cancelo's evolution is not a surprise for me, I know Joao, I saw him in multiple positions. He has played in many roles with us too, it is natural for him to do it in a 3-4-3, in a 5-man midfield, in a 4-man defence, he always works very well."