Joao Felix was the star player as Barcelona delivered an incredible performance to thrash Real Betis yesterday, and he has now praised his new teammates.
Making his first start since his deadline-day arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid, Felix opened the scoring before providing a stunning assist to Robert Lewandowski as Xavi’s side romped to a 5-0 victory.
The 23-year-old was at his very best, with his incredible vision and technical ability on full display, and he has now claimed that playing in a more attacking side has helped him flourish.
Felix has had a few years of struggle at Atletico and Chelsea, but is already beginning to shine again alongside the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Lewandowski and Joao Cancelo.
“I am very happy to be a starter again. I hadn’t done it in a while. The sensations are good. It is very easy to play on this team,” he stated after the game.
“Above all, to the team. Positionally everyone was where they should be. When you have a good structure and the ball circulates well and quickly, spaces and goals appear.”
A system to suit Felix
Felix lined up in what he has claimed is his preferred position, as an interior left-winger who can move centrally.
With Alejandro Balde offering width on the left, Felix had the freedom to roam about and inject more creativity into the side with instant success, as Barcelona delivered one of the best attacking performances seen under Xavi.
Felix did not suit Diego Simeone’s style, and despite showing flashes of quality, he found his career floundering in Madrid. Now that he is in a team full of top-class attacking players, he may be able to finally reach his potential.
It is early days, but his performance against Betis will cause much excitement about what he can now bring to the Barcelona side.