David Alaba of Real Madrid is challenged by Joao Felix of Chelsea. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Frank Lampard has left Joao Felix out of the starting XI for Chelsea’s Premier League game against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday (May 2).
The Portugal international is not seeing much luck under the English tactician. He has featured in all five games under him in April but that has amounted to only 199 minutes of action.
For the game against the Gunners, the former Everton and Derby County manager has gone with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling up front.
Felix is, once again, on the bench. Asked before the match why that was the case, Lampard told Sky Sports, via Fabrizio Romano’s Twitter account:
“He has a huge talent. I really need to find a clear structure. He’s not definite if you ask him where he wants to play. Maybe he’s not a 9, I need a 9 for the way I want to play. Whatever his future is, I don’t know that.”
Felix was a breath of fresh air under Graham Potter since his arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid in January. But one can’t deny that he has missed some gilt-edged chances this season.
He isn’t an out-and-out number nine and hence, lacks that finishing touch and lethality that comes with a pure centre-forward. Felix is, however, an elite dribbler who can create chances for his teammates.
He also gets into goal-scoring positions too and is no slouch when it comes to pace. Hopefully, he is used as a substitute and can bring energy and incisiveness to the team against the Gunners. His loan deal expires this summer.
From Lampard’s comments, it seems the club are still undecided about whether to make plans about keeping him beyond the season. The caretaker boss has also, in one way or another implied that Felix isn’t suited to his system right now and his versatility is his enemy when it comes to that. A Jack of all trades but a master of none? Perhaps.
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