The plight of João Félix

The signing of Griezmann by Atlético places the rojiblanco team as the great favorite for the league title and it increases the quality of a staff that is already quite important in this sense. Griezmann knows the Madrid team, their coach and knows what the rojiblanco club is like. You will not need any adaptation time. The general opinion is that with Griezmann everything is possible at Atlético.

Lthe arrival of the Frenchman puts João Félix in a difficult situation, who will have to fight a lot to find a place in the starting eleven. The Portuguese is completing his third season at Atlético, he had surgery on his right ankle after the Eurocup to be fit for the start of this exercise and the question is where Simeone will find him a gap.

In principle there are four fixed forwards in the squad: Luis Suárez, Griezmann, Correa and Cunha. The first two could start as favorites to start in the starting team, although Correa always offers a great performance every time he plays. Cunha will have to gain prominence in the team based on taking advantage of the minutes available. It seems difficult for João Félix to have many minutes playing as a forward striker.

Behind the points appear, as offensive players, Marcos Llorente, on the right, and Lemar, on the left. De Paul could also play on the right and Cholo I could put João Félix in that left midfield position. The position would have to be disputed with Lemar, who started performing at a good level. Against Villarreal he was one of the best and his performance was one of the best news of the game.

João Félix, 21, is facing his third season at Atlético. Has a contract until 2026 and its market value is 80 million. Several clubs have asked about their situation, including Barcelona, ​​but Atlético always refused to let him out. The answer has always been the same: the striker is still in his current team. For the rojiblanco coaching staff he is untouchable. Simeone has already commented that he expects the best version of the Portuguese footballer, once his ankle problems have been overcome. João Félix will be available for the league match against Espanyol.

Last season he played 40 games (31 in LaLiga, eight in the Champions League and one in the Cup). He scored ten goals, seven in the league championship and three in the European tournament. And he gave six assists, all in LaLiga. He had a great start to the championship, but later his performance was declining. His injury problems greatly impaired his performance. The question is whether Griezmann will block the evolution of João Félix. The Frenchman can play in many positions, as a forward forward and as a midfielder, supplying balls to Luis Suárez. Something similar to what your teammate can do.

Simeone's challenge is enormous: get the best performance from top-level players, of international footballers, of footballers who would start practically in any team in the world. The challenge is that everyone adds and that everyone feels important. And it is not just anything.