Johnny Cardoso: Analysing a Potential Asset for Spurs

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Article Written by Danny Atkins

Johnny Cardoso: Analysing a Potential Asset for Spurs

With the Premier League becoming increasingly competitive, recruitment has shifted towards practicality and timing. Tottenham Hotspur has garnered attention for their forward-thinking transfer strategy, acquiring players like Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke to secure the club's future. However, one potential addition has flown under the radar: Johnny Cardoso. Following Giovanni Lo Celso's move to Real Betis, Spurs reportedly secured a clause granting them priority access to Cardoso. This article delves into his playing style, strengths, and how he could integrate into Ange Postecoglou's tactical setup.

In Possession: On-Ball Actions

Cardoso's passing style is highly risk-averse. He frequently opts for short, horizontal passes to retain possession, often executing bounce passes back to the initial receiver when pressed for time and space. While this cautious approach limits turnovers, it also curbs his progressive passing output, placing him in the bottom 12% for progressive passes among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. At times, Cardoso’s reluctance to take risks stems from a lack of scanning before receiving the ball, leading to missed opportunities to turn and progress play. However, when facing an opposition block with visible time and space, he demonstrates the ability to find vertical passes between the lines and execute diagonal switches to runners beyond the last line of defence. His long passing technique, while ambitious, lacks precision, as passes often carry excessive height, delaying their arrival to teammates. Cardoso rarely carries the ball, even when space in front of him is available. He exhibits strong coordination and push-off power to turn away from pressing opponents, looking to pass immediately after escaping pressure rather than driving into open space.

In Possession: Off-Ball Actions

Cardoso’s movements to receive the ball are cautious, often dictated by easily accessible passing options horizontally or backward. He actively seeks involvement in build-up play but can sometimes crowd his teammates’ space by coming too close to the ball carrier. One notable area for improvement is his body orientation when receiving passes. Cardoso frequently positions himself square to the receiver, limiting his ability to turn and play forward. While his safe approach minimises errors, enhancing his scanning habits and body positioning could unlock more progressive play in possession.

Out of Possession: Off-Ball Actions

Cardoso demonstrates a strong understanding of defensive positioning. He frequently scans to identify the most pressing threat and adapts his actions accordingly. For instance, when his fullback is isolated against an opposing winger, Cardoso recognises when to leave his zone to provide support versus when to hold his position to track late midfield runners. This situational awareness extends beyond low-block scenarios. Cardoso effectively manages distances between his team’s defensive lines, stepping up or dropping off to maintain compactness. His man-marking ability is also noteworthy, as his acceleration helps him track sudden movements from opponents. Additionally, his excellent body positioning and athleticism allow him to block passing lanes effectively, contributing to his average of 2.19 interceptions per 90 minutes—placing him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

How Cardoso Fits into Spurs

Cardoso’s out-of-possession strengths make him a valuable addition to Spurs’ midfield. While Yves Bissouma has performed admirably in a defensive role, he lacks some of the defensive qualities that Cardoso brings. Tottenham’s attacking shape often transitions into a 2-3-5 structure during settled phases, requiring midfielders to contribute to rest defence. Cardoso’s ball-winning abilities and positional awareness would enhance Spurs’ defensive stability in these situations, freeing Bissouma to play higher up the pitch when needed. In build-up play, Cardoso’s cautious style may limit his contribution to ball progression. However, as long as the distances between teammates remain small, his simple passing approach should integrate well with Spurs’ central build-up structure. This could complement Bissouma’s more progressive passing, which ranks in the top 15% for midfielders in Europe.

Conclusion

Johnny Cardoso’s profile highlights a defensively minded midfielder with unique athleticism and tactical awareness. His ability to win duels, cover space efficiently, and read defensive situations makes him an excellent fit for Tottenham’s system under Postecoglou. While his risk-averse passing may limit creativity in possession, his strengths out of possession provide balance and solidity. If Spurs activate their clause for Cardoso, they could secure one of the most promising defensive midfielders currently on the market.

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This article was written by Danny Atkins

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