No news at market Of signings, all the illusions of Atlético are placed on the evolution of João Félix. The 20-year-old forward lived a first year of adaptation, where despite the irregularity of its flashes ended up like him second top scorer of the team with nine goals. His last game of last season was a contrast of sensations, the disappointment at the elimination in the Champions League against Leipzig and the confirmation that the Portuguese is ready to change any game.
Something that has been maintained at the beginning of this new course. João Félix was the starter with your selection and got your first goal as an absolute international with a powerful shot from outside the area before which Livakovic did not know how to react, which until then was being the best of the game. The Atlético player had already tried in the first half with a kick that ended up crashing into the post and another that cleared the rear after a great drop from Bruno Fernandes.
But beyond the goal, João Félix left several very interesting details. One of them in his positioning on the field. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Santos placed the Atlético player as a 'false 9'. The point of reference, but falling to receive with total freedom and combining with Bruno, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota, another of the great highlights of the game and who was from Atlético, although he did not make his debut. The '7' mattress was able to adapt to the position, sometimes throwing unchecks into space like a battering ram and in others, staying behind to receive in the area and was on the verge of being left alone on the penalty spot on several occasions.
Defensive deployment
A very complete match above, but where perhaps the biggest change in his game came looking back. Something that a year ago was unthinkable, but that he carried out totally internalized in his movements. João Félix thwarted two attacks by Croatia in own area going down to lend a hand to his teammates in plays where he caught them out of place. A providential cut practically on the left side and a last detour to avoid a heads up in the front of his own area.
Something fundamental for Simeone and that speaks of a tactical enrichment since his arrival at Atlético. For Cholo it is essential that all his players, regardless of their price, collaborate in defensive tasks. Something that made Griezmann a star who never took off his overalls and that will open the doors to more minutes with the coach. Since his arrival at Atleti, João Felix has played in the right band in its beginnings and as second striker sAs the course progressed, his more natural post. However, these latest level appearances came against the Leipzig dropped slightly to the left wing and against Croatia as 'false 9'.
Its qualities allow it occupy the entire attack front and stand out when in contact with the ball. He I play between the lines and his tactical positioning was one of the tasks where most Simeone put focus in training throughout last season. Something that, if he progresses, will make João Félix a much more decisive player. He has talent, personality too, as he showed when launching a penalty where other players' pulse trembled. Now I just need to take that step forward, that leap that Kun Agüero experienced in his second season as a mattress so that he can become the new team leader, something that feeds the dreams of all athletic people.