After a successful 2017/18 campaign, Real Betis brought in Sergio Canales to add even more midfield creativity to their squad. The former Real Madrid prodigy quickly became the centre in Quique Setien’s system, making them one of the most attractive teams in La Liga. However, Rubi has become Los Verdiblancos’ new manager. The former Espanyol man will come with a similar brand of football, but with notable differences. In this scout report, we will use tactical analysis to demonstrate Canales’ key attributes, and what role he will play in Rubi’s system. 

Style of play

Canales mainly plays as an attacking midfielder, but he can play as a central mid or a wide midfielder as well. In his attacking midfielder position, he is given license to orchestrate Betis’ attack with his wide range of passing skills, dribbling and long shots while hiding his physical and defensive weaknesses. Looking at the heatmap, we can see that he mostly operates around the right half-space of the middle third. His stamina doesn’t allow him to run from box to box. This kind of heatmap can also be one of a right midfielder – his expected position in new coach Rubi’s system.

If you want to read the full tactical breakdown of Sergio Canales’ player profile, head over to totalfootballanalysis.com or click HERE


Artwork by @chapulana

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