Atlético faced the break in the derby after a sterile first half, without generating danger, carrying the weight of the game and, of course, without scoring (From Mestalla there have been six games without a goal in the first half). And Cholo was forced to shake your bench in search of a revolution.
João Félix and Lemar from the start to boost the attack on the rojiblanco left side and accelerate the rhythm of the team, trying to harm a defense that had lived very calm. And, practically in five minutes, there had already been more dangerous arrivals from Atlético than in the previous 45. João Félix turned the field towards his profile, began to concentrate the ball in the final meters and to face without any complex.
Shot on goal proving Courtois, assistance to Cunha’s uncheck so that he ran into the Belgian and corners, fouls and fear in the Madrid defenders who once again made it clear that João Félix is a different player and, when he can and wants to capture it on the pitch, he has a star aura. In matches where the ball burns the most, but there are also more cameras looking, the rojiblanco ‘7’ was once again one of the best Atlético players on the pitch. The glare of his entrance cooled with Asensio’s 2-0 when the mattress team was starting to feel more comfortable.
But, after accusing the blow, he again tried to be the channel of the Atleti attack, going down to receive, asking for it and trying to be the protagonist. Despite the low participation of João Félix this season, It has had its brightest games against top-level rivals: Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid. At the Santiago Bernabéu, a stop with Courtois’s face prevented his goal in the last moments. He completed 15 passes, more than Correa (13), Cunha (6) or Griezmann (7) despite playing 15 minutes less than the first two. And, such talent, it is difficult that he does not have a place in a team.
Without a doubt, his tactical work penalizes him, much less sacrificed than colleagues like Griezmann and Correa. Injuries are also another great enemy. Dismissal due to discomfort, ankle pain and consequences of having such a technical and skillful game stopped very often with kicks (Curiously, the one who has ended up expelled is him and not the offenders of dangerous actions). Since his start in Liverpool, a bad game for the team and no contribution from João, has been available in four games totaling only 78 minutes. The 45 finals against Real Madrid, none in Porto, 30 against Mallorca and three in Mestalla.
Lack of regularity, collective work and continuity. However, that unique talent of a player of only 22 years makes believe in a progression like the one he showed at the start of last season if he manages to boost his game, with responsibility in the attack and the ‘7’ completely involved in the games. An extraordinary first few months as team leader until he was braked with an injury when he had been named LaLiga’s best player in November. “I love the rebellious player, who has pride and wants to change situations”Simeone said about João after his goal and protest celebration in the visit to Villarreal last year. Atlético needs daring players at this time of the season who grow up in difficult moments and João Félix is. His role alongside Lemar was one of the few positive points for the rojiblanco team in the derby.