Barcelona have always possessed some of the greatest minds in football that enabled themselves to become acclaimed global stars. By combining their understanding of the game with great technical ability, they enhance the utilization of other traits even further.
Despite the fact that recent years have shown the Catalan club to struggle at times against certain opponents, La Blaugrana have not backed down. Possessing mere scraps to improve their team over the course of the summer, Barcelona still managed to come out of it with a stellar lineup for the season.
One of the acquisitions made during the summer window was that of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix. The 23-year-old Portuguese star was having a troubled tenure at his former club before he made the move to his ‘dream’ side in Spain, as he claimed himself in an interview with Fabrizio Romano.
Now, following his first official start for FC Barcelona, fans and viewers are simultaneously buzzing with excitement in terms of what more the young star has to offer.
However, that does beg the question as to exactly what has gone down differently in Barcelona that has allowed Felix to shine much more brightly already than he has done so in recent memory for Atletico Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, many factors contribute to this development. First and foremost, the player has adapted well to an offensive style of play that suits his profile. Barcelona have managed to integrate the 23-year-old alongside its other forwards almost seamlessly due to his versatility and dynamism.
Atletico vs Barcelona
Playing under Diego Simeone, Felix was a rather limited asset. Deployed within a team that prioritized defensive actions over fluid offensive ones, Felix was among those who most brutally suffered as a result.
In Barcelona, on the other hand, things are flowing and moving just the way he likes. Even after the game against Betis, the player himself claimed it to be the case for why Barca played so well just as he felt he did himself.
“When you have a good structure, and the ball circulates quickly, you open up spaces, and that’s where the goals come from. The change has been good for me and my family. I’m very happy here.”
Creative with and without the ball
Possessing the ability to both score and be a great asset between the lines, he has already become crucial for Xavi. The Barcelona coach in particular finds these traits to be exactly what was needed.
Through his goal as well as his dummy for Lewandowski, Felix showcased a lot. Possessing danger when the ball is at his feet as well as when it is not, his dynamic profile expertly complements those playing alongside him at Barcelona.
Hungry to succeed at Barca
Given the creativity that he provides, he will be a certified guarantee for Xavi this season. His time under Simeone at Atletico may have seemingly wasted his true potential, but the player is thus far striving at Barcelona and seems intent on making the most of his loan move.
Young and driven to prove himself, Felix poses a great challenge to other forwards now at Barca. His motivation will help him reach great heights with the Catalan giants and Xavi will surely do his best to get the most out of his 23-year-old Portuguese player.
