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Cancel other right back rumours: Tottenham should sign Joao Cancelo

By Gary Pearson

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Gareth Bale (L) of Real Madrid is tackled by Joao Cancelo of Valencia during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Gareth Bale (L) of Real Madrid is tackled by Joao Cancelo of Valencia during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham, along with Juventus, are reported to be in hot pursuit of Valencia right back Joao Cancelo, a prospective move that could alleviate a lot of anxiety in Spurs’ camp. 

The Daily Mail broke the story late on Sunday and banter on social media about the potential deal is causing a stir. The impetus to sign a right back, with Trippier sidelined by an ankle injury for an undetermined period, has increased since Maurico Pochettino’s first choice left Wembley in an air cast on Saturday.

Pochettino, however, remains positive about his current dilemma. Although no updates are yet forthcoming regarding the severity of Trippier’s injury, the gaffer, in the aftermath of the Juventus win, had these comments for the press:

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"“We need to assess him [Trippier] on Monday and then we will see.“Now the feeling is good. It’s true that he has crutches, but it’s good. We hope that it is not a big issue.“We are working, trying to add some players to the squad. But that does not change our idea.“Our idea was, the same as before, to try to provide the team with more strength and try to sign a few players before the end of the transfer window.”"

Regardless of Pochettino’s public comments, Spurs’ top brass will be working tirelessly to find viable cover for Trippier. Even if the Englishman makes a speedy recovery and is able to start on Sunday against Newcastle, Spurs are still in dire need of right-back cover.

Who is Joao Cancelo?

Cue the Cancelo rumours. Who is Cancelo and is he, at the final hour, the right man for the job? The 23-year-old isn’t well-known in England but, with any luck, he soon will be. Cancelo signed with Benfica’s youth team as an impressionable 13-year-old and remained in his homeland until 2014 before signing with Valencia.

Who Scored touts highly the young right back, a case study reinforced by his estimated £25 million market value. He is gifted athletically, is fitted with lightning-quick foot speed and doesn’t shy away from a the rough and tumble. The Portuguese right back has infiltrated the senior national team and has the ability to knock a bird out of mid-air with his unerring crossing accuracy.

If you don’t believe me, take a gander at the below highlight package while skiving at work.

He is the perfect puzzle piece for the right side of Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1 system. Cancel the other right-back bids as Cancelo is the man for the job. The Valencia right back has the skill and swagger to beat players off the dribble, showcasing a remarkable ability to nutmeg opposing defenders.

Party tricks aside, Camelo is responsible defensively and is still years away from reaching his prime. The pinnacle of his career may be years down the line, but Cancelo is equipped with the skill set and mentality to adapt quickly to the heightened skill, speed and physicality for which the Premier League is renowned.

Next: Juventus vs Tottenham: First-team player ratings

Trippier’s injury, while devastating in its own right, offers Pochettino and company a narrow window to turn the sourest of lemons into an affordable, refreshing glass of Portuguese lemonade.