Barcelona struck gold when they were able to complete late deals for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix in the transfer window, and both have made a flying start to their careers at the Camp Nou.
Felix has helped transform Barcelona’s attack with his instant impact, whilst Cancelo has provided both defensive stability as well as attacking output.
The Portuguese pair arrived thankst to the work of former Portugal star Deco, who is now in charge of Barcelona’s transfers, and he has now praised both players.
Deco praises Cancelo and Felix
Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the former midfielder hailed the impact both players have made, but suggested that it was too early to speak about their futures at the club.
“The important thing is what they are adding to the team,” he stated.
“In the case of Cancelo, he is an experienced player who has played at a high level for many years and who has mastered his position.
“Félix is more of the same, younger [than Cancelo], but with experience at Benfica, Atlético and Chelsea.
“They are players who have brought important things to the team, but it is still early to talk about everything. At the moment they are helping Barcelona, which is what matters.”
Barcelona need to keep both
Xavi and Deco fought tooth and nail to bring in the pair, and ultimately settled for loan deals.
Based off their early impacts, Barcelona definitely need to keep both. They have been ideal for how Xavi wants to set his team up, and both have arrived with plenty of top level experience.
Replacing them will be an incredibly difficult task, and both have indicated that Barcelona is where they would like to be.
It is unclear how the financials will work for Felix, but recent reports did suggest that Barcelona are set to eventually secure Cancelo for a cut price.