Barcelona left it late in the transfer window before confirming the signing of Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, and the Portugal star has now revealed where he would like to play.
Wingers Abde Ezzalzouli and Ansu Fati departed on deadline day to make room for Felix, who had admitted earlier in the summer window that Barcelona was his dream move.
Felix initially moved to Atletico Madrid for around £115m to replace Antoine Griezmann, who had joined Barcelona, but four years later, the two players have now swapped clubs.
Speaking to SPORT, Felix claimed that he would like to play on the left wing under Xavi, who will be delighted that the club managed to secure a deal for him.
“I feel good, with confidence. Physically, too, despite not having had many minutes lately. I am prepared to arrive in Barcelona and start strong. I want to work to help the team,” he stated.
“I see myself comfortable starting from the left wing. I’ve been playing there for some time now and I think it’s where Xavi likes to put me the most .”
Felix can add creativity
The left attacking role looks ideal for Felix under Xavi, given that so far this season, Pedri and Gavi have played there as inverted wingers.
Whilst Felix is not a natural explosive winger like Ousmane Dembele, he could be perfectly suited to the role where he will tuck inside from the left, with left-back Alejandro Balde supporting him on the overlap.
Xavi’s side have lacked creativity at times, with Robert Lewandowski bemoaning the lack of support he receives upfront, and if Felix can find his best form, he could be the perfect link between the midfield and the front line to help create more chances.
The Portugal star is on loan for the season, and he will hope that playing in a possession heavy side benefits him after a few difficult years.