Joao Cancelo talks Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Gundogan, De Jong, Joao Felix, Ronaldinho, Barcelona: “Always been a fan”

Barcelona’s season so far has been riddled with inconsistencies and instability, but despite the collective shortcomings of the team, individually, there have been several players to write home about.

And one of the regular performers of the campaign thus far has been Joao Cancelo, who arrived on loan from Manchester City last summer.

The right-back’s dependable displays this season have fully convinced the sporting department and the financial executives, with the Catalans eager to buy him permanently next season.

Now, speaking to the 1PARA 1 podcast, via MARCA, Cancelo has commented on his time at the club and his long-standing admiration for Barcelona.

A Cule from the start

Claiming he grew up watching Barcelona from a young age, Cancelo highlighted the golden era of the past, stating:

“I have always been a fan of Barcelona. Of course, more in the golden era; from approximately 2008, I grew up watching Barcelona play. For me, I grew up watching the best football team play, which is the Barcelona of 2009, and many of my idols played here.

“Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets are the best trio I have ever seen. Sometimes, even now, I see myself watching that team on YouTube as they pass balls, take possession, and play tiki-taka. It was like they were playing against junior teams because of the ease.

“So it was easy to adapt, among other things, because I really like the club, I really like the dynamics of the club, and it has been easy; it has been very easy to adapt.”

Cancelo then revealed his idol, claiming the legendary Ronaldinho mesmerized him back in his heyday. The fact that he compelled the Bernabeu to applaud him showcased his unique talent.

“My biggest idol has always been Ronaldinho Gaúcho. He was the player who encouraged me the most to watch him play on television. Because of his pure talent and because of his magic. What he brought to me and, for example, to my best friend was also incredible.

“With the rivalry that exists here between Barcelona and Real Madrid and him getting the Bernabéu to applaud him, there was something about him that had to be different,” he expressed.

Praise for Felix and Frenkie

Diverting the focus to his Portuguese partner in crime, who arrived similarly on deadline day, Cancelo praised Joao Felix, labeling him a difference-maker.

“Felix is ​​pure talent. I think there is a lot of talent in Portugal in general. But I think Félix is ​​one of those who can really make a difference,” he said.

When stating which player surprised him the most upon his arrival, Frenkie de Jong was the clear winner for Cancelo.

“Without a doubt, Frenkie de Jong. Gündogan is also a star but I already knew him. The impact, greatest impact I have had in terms of quality, here has been Frenkie de Jong. If you trained with him or saw him train, you would realize that he has different things,” he remarked.