Man City defender Joao Cancelo gives verdict on new signing Sergio Gomez
Joao Cancelo added competition for Kyle Walker when he signed for Manchester City in 2019
Joao Cancelo is expecting big things from Sergio Gomez after the Spanish defender completed his move to Manchester City.
Gomez, 21, joined from Anderlecht in an £11m deal to become the fifth and likely final signing of a busy summer window for the Blues that has also seen five major departures. After missing out on top target Marc Cucurella to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko, Guardiola decided that Gomez would be enough - countering the initial plan to send the youngster out on loan and buy another defender.
City like the player's versatility, but he is mainly in the squad to provide cover and competition for Joao Cancelo, the Portugal international who played more minutes than any other player last season. Cancelo was brought to the club in 2019 to challenge Kyle Walker for a starting place but has since made the left-back spot his own.
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Cancelo does not have any doubts over Gomez's ability given his football upbringing, and is looking forward to the competition that should increase more as the new addition learns from Guardiola.
“Spanish players always have talent and he has great qualities. He comes from FC Barcelona Academy, so there isn't much more you need to add," he said.
"We have competition in all the positions in the squad. The best teams in the world need it to be always up there.
"I want competition in my position too, because it makes you a better player and it makes him a better player. I think the quality of the team is going to increase thanks to the competition.
“Guardiola is obviously a key factor in this team. He gives us the coordinates and we follow him. We believe in him and we believe in the way he sees football.
"Personally, he helps me a lot every day and I learn with him every day. Nowadays, I can play in more positions because he made me a better player. I can see things now that I didn't see before. He is the main reason for the growth I have experienced since my arrival to the club.”
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