Joao Felix, the Portuguese international footballer, has made a bold statement to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. He believes that he will perform best in Cole Palmer’s preferred position. This comes after his re-joining of Chelsea on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid for €52 million in August.
Felix had previously spent time on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023 but is yet to start a Premier League match this season. Since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, he has only accumulated 117 minutes of action in the English top flight and has been an unused substitute in each of Chelsea’s last four Premier League fixtures.
Despite these challenges, Felix has managed to score four goals and provide one assist across five appearances in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup this term. His aim is clear - become a more influential figure at Stamford Bridge over the coming months. However, achieving this goal might not be straightforward as Felix finds himself behind Cole Palmer in the Chelsea pecking order. The ex-Benfica wonderkid admitted that he wants to play in Palmer's position which could potentially lead to some internal competition within the team.
Joao Felix's statement
After delivering an impressive performance during Portugal’s 1-1 draw against Croatia where he scored his ninth international goal, Felix told TV reporters about his aspirations:
Joao Felix, Chelsea player, said:
“I think where I can perform best is in the central area of the pitch, something I haven’t played in the last four years.
“Whether as a false nine, a No.10, a second striker, I think that’s where I can help the team the most, where I can contribute the most to the game and I think you could see that in the first half.”
During his season-long loan spell at Barcelona last year, Felix was mostly used as a left winger but was frequently deployed as part of a front two at Atletico Madrid.
Future prospects
With Enzo Maresca favouring Nicolas Jackson as traditional centre forward role player, it seems unlikely that Felix will be deployed as false nine or second striker position. This means he is vying with Palmer for a spot in Chelsea’s preferred starting XI.
Joao Felix's bold statement to Chelsea indicates his ambition and determination to secure a more influential role within the team. Only time will tell if this talented player can rise up the pecking order and make his mark on the Premier League stage.
