Joao Felix has been a revelation at FC Barcelona since joining on loan from Atlético de Madrid with the Portuguese striker becoming a key player for the 2022/23 La Liga champions.
In 8 appearances for Barcelona, Felix has netted 3 goals and 3 assists, and been instrumental in a number of other goals.
His connection with Robert Lewandowski has kickstarted the Polish striker’s season, unfortunately, that’s been temporarily halted with Lewandowski’s injury, but chances are it’ll be back as soon as the former Bayern Munich man returns.
But the difference in Felix’s performances hasn’t just been noticed in Barcelona, following an international break where Portugal continued their outstanding form, International manager Roberto Martinez has seen a stark difference:
"“Joao Félix is a talent… I have not seen many players who can play inside, outside, who have that way of interpreting the overflow situation, the way he combines with attacking players…”"
Portugal have won all 8 of their qualifying games, scoring 32 goals along the way. Both Joao Felix and Barcelona teammate Joao Cancelo scored in Portugal’s 5-0 away win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Martinez praises the move to Barcelona for Joao Felix’s revitalisation
Felix is an incredibly talented player, but he was unable to show that quality while on loan at Chelsea, a club in constant flux over the last 12-18 months.
However, at Barcelona, he’s seen as an important player and a set run of games has resulted in newfound confidence. Martinez credits that with the improvement in Felix’s game while stating he can see the obvious difference in his game now, in comparison to what he saw while the Portuguese man was playing in the Premier League.
"“What I have seen now is a Joao Félix who feels important, who is decisive in his club. The truth is that he has given another dimension -Barça-. I also have to say that the first international period that we worked, that It was in March, from then on I saw a very big difference with his experience in the United Kingdom,”"