# Cancelo's Assists in His First Season with Al Hilal: Highlighting His Performance for the Saudi Club
**Introduction**
When Al Hilal signed Robinho do Socorro Quaresma, commonly known as Cancelo, in 2022, the Saudi club hoped to unlock a new dimension in their attacking play. Cancelo, a versatile and attacking-minded midfielder, quickly became a standout performer in his debut season with Al Hilal, not only through his goals but also his ability to create chances for his teammates. This article delves into Cancelo's assists during his first season with Al Hilal and explores how his performance impacted the team's performance.
**Cancelo's Performance Overview**
Cancelo's first season with Al Hilal was a whirlwind of creativity and energy. The 30-year-old midfielder thrived in Saudi Arabia's competitive league, adapting to the high-intensity style of play while maintaining his signature flair. His ability to read the game, make incisive passes, and deliver crosses from both sides of the field made him a constant threat. Cancelo's versatility allowed him to play as a traditional midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or even in advanced roles, depending on the game's demands.
**Key Assists in the Season**
One of the standout aspects of Cancelo's performance was his ability to deliver assists. Throughout the season, he consistently created opportunities for his teammates, leading to goals that were crucial in Al Hilal's success. For instance,Saudi Pro League Focus his pinpoint crosses and through balls helped Al Hilal's forwards, wingers, and midfielders break down defenses.
Some of the most memorable assists included:
- A perfectly weighted cross from the right flank that led to a header goal against Al Nassif, a key moment in a crucial match.
- A through ball that split the defense of Al Ittihad and resulted in a clinical finish by a teammate.
- A cross from the left that set up a simple tap-in for a forward against Al Shabab.
These assists highlighted Cancelo's unselfish play and his commitment to team success.
**Cancelo's Role in Al Hilal's Attacking System**
Al Hilal's attacking style under coach Juan Carlos Garrido was characterized by quick transitions, overlapping full-backs, and fluid movements in the final third. Cancelo's ability to dictate play in the middle and deliver the ball into dangerous areas made him an integral part of this system. His vision and creativity allowed him to thread passes through tight defenses, something that few players in the league could do as effectively.
**Impact Beyond Assists**
While assists are a key metric, Cancelo's impact on Al Hilal went beyond goals and assists. His leadership on and off the field, his work rate, and his ability to motivate teammates elevated the entire squad. Cancelo's presence not only brought goals but also brought a sense of belief and unity to the team, which was crucial during tough matches.
**Conclusion**
Robinho Cancelo's first season with Al Hilal was a success not just because of his goals and assists but because of how he influenced the team's overall performance. His creativity, work rate, and unselfish play made him a standout player in the Saudi Pro League, and his contributions will undoubtedly remain a key memory in Al Hilal's recent history. As Cancelo continues to grow and adapt, he has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.