João Félix can show his true valuation in the LaLiga game against FC Barcelona
The Portuguese forward aims to start against Barcelona, making it clear again that Simeone can use him despite his desire to leave.
The future of João Félix marks the present situation of Atlético. The Portuguese forward has not changed his intention and wants to leave the club in this winter transfer window, despite the fact that Simeone is doing his part to make him feel important. The striker, who had a good World Cup as a starter with Portugal, has had a positive impact when he has been available for Cholo.
The coach has always maintained that, if he earns it, João Félix is an important player. And against Barcelona it seems that he will continue to have his starting position in the side. In the first 14 games of the season he had not managed to score, but in the last five, João has scored five goals. Félix has scored four of Atlético’s last five goals in the league, all except Morata’s against Elche. In that game, the ‘7′ was substituted after suffering some physical discomfort that prevented him from participating in the cup game against Oviedo.
João’s not fully out just yet
Injuries are his other major handicap, like the tonsillopharyngitis that kept him out of the game against Arenteiro. Since he has not appeared in the last Cup games, La Liga has become his shop window. At the moment, there are no offers that come close to the rojiblancos judgement on his valuation. But a good game against Barcelona can serve to revalue the numbers and encourage clubs in the Premier League to pull their hands out of their pockets. A good performance could even cause Atlético to consider João as a definite exit if they feel like he can still contribute and there are options to fight for titles in what remains of the season.
Last year, in the victory over Barça (2-0), Félix had one of his best individual performances in an Atlético Madrid shirt - against a Barcelona that had already made their desire to sign the player clear. “I really like João Félix and his agent knows it. And I hope the fans don’t get mad. And yes, we tried in the summer”, Laporta declared in March, before the financial situation of the club prevented any other attempt. The prospective deal ended with a reduction in the transfer of Griezmann to Atlético.
Now, if João Félix leaves, he will force Atlético to look for an alternative for their forward line. The idea of all parties is to make clear their future as soon as possible, be it for one side or the other. And today he has before him the best stage to show off what he can do: against Barcelona in the league.
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