João Félix: from frustration to feeling decisive in the team

João Félix will form an attacking pair with Correa in this Sunday’s match against Betis. The Portuguese has become an almost essential footballer for Simeone, who has given him the minutes that he did not have before. João Félix is ​​now shown as a regular player, just what his coach asked of him. The Atlético striker is a very different player from a year ago at Benito Villamarín.

In the game played on April 11 last year, João Félix had to leave the field injured. Atlético presented the Portuguese at the top together with Correa. He left the field of play in the 47th minute due to a hard tackle from Mandi and his ankle injury caused him to miss the matches against Éibar and Huesca. He returned against Athletic. But in this final stretch of the championship he was not a decisive player for the team. Correa and Luis Suárez were. Injuries and lack of continuity hampered the striker’s performance.

Just over ten months later, João Félix is ​​already the player for whom Atlético signed him from Benfica. A confident João Félix, who knows he is important within the team. He started against Osasuna, where he scored a goal and provided an assist; against Manchester, where he scored a goal; and against Celta, against whom he also played a good game. It will be his fourth match as a starter at Atlético. Meanwhile, Griezmann and Luis Suárez will be on the bench.

With 22 million, and with a contract in force until 2026, the Atlético striker has played 26 official competition games, scoring five goals (three in LaLiga, one in the Champions League and one in the Cup) and five assists (three in LaLiga, one in the Champions League and one in the Super Cup). Simeone knows that he can give much more of himself. Atlético needs his game and his goals.

João Félix has played 102 games with Atlético, 65 as a starter. He has scored 24 goals and has given 12 assists. He is already an Atlético Legend and is a league champion. It has been difficult for him to join the team, it has been difficult for him to have the stripes that he now has and for this reason, he must continue in the same dynamic. Being like this, Atlético has many more options to win. And Simeone clings to him.