Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo believes the team are in a good place heading into 2022 but is aware of the threat Liverpool and Chelsea pose in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola's side are currently top of the league, three points above Liverpool and six ahead of Chelsea.
With qualification for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League secured and their FA Cup campaign on the horizon, there's plenty of positives for reigning Premier League holders to look forward to over the next few months.
Before City take on Sporting Lisbon in February, they welcome Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City on Boxing Day.
Cancelo has been in scintillating form this season, helping City along the way, and though 27-year-old is pleased with how the team are progressing, he added that Liverpool and Chelsea are 'really strong.'
“We are a very strong team and we are in good shape at the moment,” the Portuguese international told City's official website.
“It's important that we are all giving our best level so we can achieve our goals at the end of the season which are winning as many trophies as possible.
“We have the Premier League, the Champions League and soon the FA Cup to fight for until the end of the season.
“I think Liverpool and Chelsea are both very strong sides and they are going to be contenders with us in the title race.
“They have a different football style than us, but both sides are really strong.
“I think the three teams are showing that we are the main candidates to win the Premier League trophy.”
Cancelo has taken his game to another level this season, popping up with three goals and seven assists from the full back position across the Premier League and Champions League.
His form has led to Portugal manager Fernando Santos name him the best player in his position in world football.
Though the accolades are nice, Cancelo said that he is playing just as well this season as he was last and that the goal contributions are something he doesn't pay attention to.
“People usually look a lot at the statistics: the goals and the assists. I don't look at them. I think my last season was very good too, but obviously this season my numbers are splendid," he added.
“I understand that some people would look only at your statistics, but we also have some players playing at great level whose numbers don't reflect their performance.
“For instance, Bernardo Silva is an exceptional player, this season is having great numbers, but last season his statistics weren't as good as now, and yet I rate him as one of the best players in the world.
“I'm just focused on performing well and trying to contribute with my game to the success of the team.”
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