Simeone has given the keys of Atlético’s attack to João Félix and the Portuguese is convinced that it has to be his moment. In his third season (he is still 21 years old) and no one doubts his talent, but many are suspicious of his regularity. Now the 7 is one of the leaders and the coach shows him confidence game by game because He is delighted with his attitude on the field, with and without the ball, which was one of his weak points.
When Real went 0-2 this Sunday, Cholo and the players realized that Any chance of a comeback passed through the spark of João Félix. The Portuguese moved around the field asking for balls, facing the rivals, receiving grabs … And gave the assist from 1-2, a perfect temperate center for Suárez. Simeone did not remove him from the field, as he did in similar situations in other seasons, to the (sometimes undisguised) annoyance of João.
Simeone has always stated that quality alone is not enough and the forward endorsed that phrase. “Without will, talent does not come. We have many examples of very talented players who lacked something to reach the top and I don’t want to be one of them …”, explained the player in the previous Chelsea-Atlético in March, which would later be, in the words of the coach, João’s best performance as a rojiblanco, despite the defeat. And in that the footballer has applied himself, in being constant in all situations.
JAVIER SORIANO (AFP)
Partnership with Griezmann, Lemar, Suárez …
Against Liverpool he gave another assist, to Griezmann, and a recital of movements that unhinged Keita. Not only that, but when the team was left with ten he emptied himself as the sole striker. Against Barça he participated in the two goals and at no point did Koeman know how to stop him. In San Siro he also added. And now the Levante is ahead. In a week Anfield will motivate him.
Another point in favor is that João Félix agrees with the rest of the attack partners. With Lemar has a great partnership and against Liverpool it was seen that it can perfectly ally with Griezmann, although their profiles are similar. That’s why now Simeone works to bring these two stars together with Luis Suárez. The experiment he did against Real Sociedad will continue, as long as the team has “balance”, a key concept for Simeone. That is João and Griezmann will have to do their dirty work too. With the French that was never a problem and the Portuguese is involved in the task.
Only the goal is missing
Nevertheless, João Félix has another pending and mandatory challenge. To the good feelings and his contribution he has to add the goal. Portuguese has not yet seen a door so far this season, 397 minutes spread over seven games. And he is a footballer with a great definition, so it is a matter of time, because the team generates dangerous situations. He himself warned after Atleti-Barça: “To see the best João, the goal is missing”. Simeone gives him confidence and conveys that this is what he needs from him and the ankle is no longer a problem, so everything is looking to keep seeing João Félix of the last weeks and even an improved version.