FC Barcelona signed Joao Felix on the last day of the transfer window, along with his compatriot Joao Cancelo, to conclude their incoming business for the summer.
While Cancelo was clearly wanted and desired by Xavi, there were doubts whether Felix was as wanted in the Catalan club. It was previously reported that both Xavi and Deco did not consider Felix a priority this summer, but President Laporta still wanted to bring him to Barcelona.
Reason for admiration of Felix
Laporta’s admiration for Felix is not secret, and the Barcelona president has always admitted that he loves the Portugal international, and this was clear with how he pursued Felix this summer.
A report from Mundo Deportivo claims that the reason, as disclosed by people close to the President, why Laporta is fascinated by Joao Felix is that the Portuguese forward resembles most closely the style of another Barcelona legend, Johann Cruyff.
The report claims that Laporta is a known Cruyff fan, as he not only saw the Dutch legend train the Barcelona team but also play for the Catalan club between the years 1973-78. This admiration for Cruyff makes him look for players who resemble closely the Dutchman’s style.
Felix resembles Cruyff in style
Joao Felix meets this criterion for the President, who believes that Felix’s attributes like change of pace, athleticism, stylish personality, running style, interior passing, dribbling ability, and scoring ability all make him a player closely resembling the former Barcelona forward.
Lastly, Felix also has the number 14 shirt at Barcelona, which is the number that Cruyff used to wear at Ajax and with the Netherlands.
In addition to this stylistic resemblance with Cruyff, the President is also confident that Felix will be able to thrive in the ecosystem currently being implemented by Xavi. Unlike Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, Xavi’s Barcelona tends to keep the ball and play the game in the opposition’s half, where Joao’s skills can be put to the best use.
