João Félix has started sweet. The gale Suárez revolutionized everything in the final stretch of Atlético-Granada, but until the Uruguayan made his debut, the '7' became Wanda Metropolitano on the stage of a new recital of passes, drives and tricks with the ball. It gave a great assist and scored a very good goal, but beyond that, the leader that Atlético needs was seen after the void left by Griezmann. Moving freely, approaching the media, distributing to the bands and reaching the rival area. The owner of the attack.
“João had one of the happiest games I've seen him on the pitch. He looked free “, Simeone admitted in the subsequent press conference. Being in contact with the ball helped. It was the attacking player whom his teammates sought the most: received 39 passes. From here and there. Felipe gave him 7; Saul, 6; Correa, 6: Carrasco, 5 and Diego Costa, 7. And in the other sense, the same. He gave 29 balls, 7 to Carrasco, 7 to Correa and 7 to Costa. The one that ended in the Argentine's goal, in minute 47, was the best of all, above defense. He was also on the verge of leaving Costa alone in front of Rui Silva. Plus caused a penalty. A complete performance.
Simeone is also aware that the young crack is not afraid to take responsibility. And that it must prepare an ecosystem that allows it to explode. Against Granada he chose a very offensive eleven. “We saw that joining Koke, Saúl, Correa and Carrasco with João and Costa could give us a lot of verticality, a lot of play between the lines, a lot of speed in the exit of the ball ”, explained Cholo. The Portuguese celebrated it and took advantage of it by showing off during the 70 minutes he was on the field.
The hit against Leipzig served as a turning point for João Félix, that that night in Lisbon he tried to put the equipment on his back. Atlético's attack will revolve around his spark. “I'm working like last year, doing things the way I have to, enjoying it to the fullest. So I am happy playing … “, says João, who knows that this has to be his year. Y the fans, meanwhile, fantasize about how their connection with Luis Suárez can work, one attending and the other dialing. Against Granada they did not coincide, but they will have a few opportunities to meet and fire the illusion.