Interesting tactical suitability
Joao Felix's move to Barcelona is an interesting tactical accommodation, if not the perfect one. Xavi has been building a different Blaugrana, unlike his peak years.
Last season, the Camp Nou team was a tight and disciplined team. Although they won La Liga, Barcelona scored fewer goals than Real Madrid and their scoring rate per match was only equal to Atletico Madrid. A solid defense is the foundation for Barcelona's success under Xavi.
Meanwhile, Felix's playing style does not fit the philosophy Xavi is pursuing. The question is, how can the Portuguese play for a position with Gavi, Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan?
Gavi is the type of dynamic midfielder, active in the competition and playing most effectively without the ball. Gundogan is the perfect blend of "number 8" and "number 10" with the ability to pass the ball upper class and handle it well in tight spaces. For Pedri, the young Spanish star has the appearance of legend Andres Iniesta.
Felix came and brought a tactical difference, especially in the final third. Robert Lewandowski has complained about Barcelona's lack of personnel and attack options after the draw with Getafe in La Liga.
The Polish striker was lost in Barcelona's attack. Barcelona's midfielders, despite their talent, are not used to playing with a striker. And that was when Felix appeared.
The Portuguese player played best as a supporting striker in direct competition. The reason Felix failed at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea was because those systems did not really exist.
Top teams are tending to deploy two wingers and a "number 10" in attack. And those are not roles that Felix can develop.
Therefore, Xavi's job is to find the best role for Felix. In the match against Real Betis in La Liga, Felix always moved close to Lewy, together coordinating to lead to the second goal for Barcelona.
The same thing happened in the Champions League, in the opening match against Antwerp. The duo could well carry Barca's attack this season.
What's next for Felix at Barcelona?
Felix will maximize his ability against strong defensive opponents. Real Betis is a perfect experiment. Madrid, Las Palmas or even Atletico Madrid are teams with similar playing styles.
However, against bigger teams in La Liga and Champions League, will Felix still maintain his form? These are matches in which almost 11 players have to support each other in defense. At that time, Gundogan or Pedri will be the better fit.
Financial problems will also hinder Felix's long-term future at Camp Nou. Although he is no longer a player valued at 100 million Euros, Barcelona's finances still do not allow the buy-in of Felix.
And Felix is not necessarily Xavi's long-term choice. As mentioned above, the Portuguese player will be suitable in La Liga with weak opponents and a large defense.
But even if it is only a temporary solution, Felix is still living his dream days at Barcelona. This could be a springboard to help him revive his career.
