'Unfortunately': Portugal's media share interesting verdict on Chelsea's Joao Felix after scoring vs Croatia
11/19/2024 03:35 AM
Joao Felix has started a new chapter in his career after finally leaving Atletico Madrid to join Chelsea permanently in the summer.
Felix penned a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, and will hope to finally fulfil all of his rich potential whilst playing for Chelsea.
That being said, given the consistency of Enzo Maresca's team selection this season, Felix is yet to start a Premier League game.
The Portugal international is predominantly stuck behind Cole Palmer in attack, who also thrives in a role just behind the central striker.
Felix has scored four goals in three Conference League appearances this season, but that's not quite the competition the 25-year-old left Atletico for.
Portuguese media wish Cheslea striker Joao Felix was more consistent
With that in mind, Felix did get an opportunity to start for Portugal in their 1-1 draw away to Croatia on Monday evening.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez rang the changes given his team had already finished top of their Nations League group, meaning Felix got a chance as the nine.
The Chelsea striker scored his country's only goal and was rated as the best player for the away side by Portuguese outlet A Bola.
However, in their 7/10 verdict, the outlet did still point to Felix's inconsistencies on the pitch, a player who feels like he could always deliver more.
A Bola wrote: "He ran unhesitatingly, anticipating Vitinha’s brilliant pass in the Portuguese half, and only with Livakovic in front of him did he fire a precise shot with his left foot — between the legs of the Croatian goalkeeper — after receiving the ball and making a second touch with his right.
"A star is… a star, and the Chelsea forward has a talent that, unfortunately, especially for him, he doesn’t always manage to translate onto the pitch.
"In Split, in the centre of the attack, sometimes with Rafael Leao closer, other times with the Milan winger on the left, he was available to play one-twos and link up with his teammates.
"He also forced Livakovic to save for a corner (41′), courtesy of Tomas Araujo’s assist. Like the rest of the team, his performance dropped off in the second half."
Enzo Maresca has tough juggling act with Joao Felix’s game time
Of course, we are only in the early stages of Felix's second spell at Chelsea – there's still plenty of time for the Portugal striker to receive better chances.
Perhaps the former Benfica youngster could still play as an out-and-out nine for Maresca, should he choose to deviate from Nicolas Jackson.
The Italian is certainly blessed with options, especially when you consider that Willian Estevao and Kendry Paez will soon be joining the club as well.
A superb crop of attacking talent, and Chelsea are hoping to raid Barcelona to strengthen their squad elsewhere, too.
