It’s sometimes funny what a move to a different environment can do for a player and for Joao Felix, he is getting at Barcelona what he expected to get at Chelsea last season.
The problem with the Portuguese star’s move to Chelsea was not the actual move but the timing of it. Felix came to Stamford Bridge at a time when the club were an absolute mess and understandably, he was a victim of the circumstances.
No Chelsea fan can forget the debut Felix had for the Blues, of course, before he got sent off. The Atletico Madrid forward was at his scintillating best, with his trademark flicks and touches that often leave defenders in their wake.
The red card meant Joao Felix was banned for a significant period and he could never really get going in West London. It did not help that he started playing under Graham Potter and ended his time there under Frank Lampard.
It never looked like the Blues were keen on making his loan move permanent, especially since we had Christopher Nkunku waiting in the wings. The 23-year-old did not give much reason to consider keeping him either.
Felix went back to Atletico Madrid where it became increasingly clear that he had absolutely no future. The Portuguese player kind of sealed his fate with his very public admission of his desire to play for Barcelona.
The former Benfica wonderkid eventually got his most desired move to the Spanish giants on deadline day. He has started off like he has always been meant to play for Xavi Hernandez’s team. Felix has three goals and three assists in just 8 games for Barcelona.
Speaking about what has changed in Barcelona that was missing in the previous seasons, here is what Felix had to say, according to 90min (h/t Football. London)
“As you can see, I’m happy where I am, I feel good, confident and I feel like I’m going through a good moment. The most difficult thing is to maintain a good level, something that I have not achieved for some time in recent seasons. But I work every day and I always try to improve to correct those less positive aspects of myself. And yes, I am happy and going through a good time”
It is good news that Joao Felix is coming good and finally delivering on the promise he showed at Benfica all those years ago. Football needs talents like him as long as it doesn’t come against us, we can support him as much as we want.
In the current Chelsea team in the fluid system under Mauricio Pochettino, one can’t help but wonder how the Portuguese forward would have fit in. Regardless, Felix is enjoying his football again. Let’s hope it continues for a long time.
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