Watching him play for Atleti is just sad. His style of play was never going to work with Simeone at the helm, and the club needs to let Felix go for whatever offer they may get. Dont want to risk letting a former 100 million purchase leave for free (especially considering Felix is what, 22? 23?)

The most frustrating part of this is everyone could see that this was the wrong team for him to join

If he had gone to Man City and work under Guardiola, he'd be one of the top players in the world now. So much potencial.....

Also Griezmann’s return baffles me because clearly it’ll only hinder Felix’s progress

Seeing those Griezmann numbers, he was a king

Does anybody remember how well he played for Atleti last spring? He was even player of the month at some point.

I never understood why he joined Atleti in the first place

Thinking about João Felix in Roger Schmidts football scheme makes my mouth water

One thing I feel is definitely hindering simeone and his players is a shift in how they play. Before, he was very much a coach who wanted to absorb pressure and attack on the transition with speed and precision using his trusty 4-4-2. And for a long time it really did work. With La Liga being the technical league it is and obviously in the UCL they'd end up playing teams who wanted to have the ball so it was a perfect plan. But I feel like the past couple seasons he was attempting to shift from that to not just a different shape with the 3 atb but also a more possession based attack, hence bringing in players like Lemar, De Paul, Felix, Witsel etc. in response to teams being more defensive vs. them. So now not only does the system and player shift make it difficult to make use of those fast breaks but your possession based attack is also frankly not very good. Maybe I'm wrong and a diehard Atletico fan can correct me but it really does feel like they're in this weird limbo in their attacking that then just makes the whole team feel out of whack and simeone being unable to fully commit to one side or the other

Can't believe Atleti turned down Bayern's offer of 100 mil Euro for Felix. I'm sure they regret it now.

Hey Adrian! Good video, you nailed pretty much every factor in this story! I wanted to make a few comments as an Atleti fan because we're in a big crisis right now and there are so many angles to look at this from. The guy very clearly needs to be pulling the strings, I mean he's, in my opinion, the most talented and skilful player on the team, he's super creative, has excellent vision and also the skill necessary to use that vision and creativity to the max. He's at his best when he's on the ball and when there are players in front of him. A lot of his best performances have come from him playing on the wing, where he can more easily receive the ball, or dropping off to collect the ball from the midfield. It makes no sense to play him as a striker, and I honestly don't understand why Simeone keeps doing this. Yes, João is very good and can play there, but you're not gonna get the best from him if he's in a position where he's only gonna touch the ball 30 times in 90 minutes (I don't know the average amount of touches he gets per 90, but there have been games in which that number has been below 30, for instance). There's this back and forth that seems to go on where João performs well, he's given an opportunity in the form of a start, doesn't perform great and gets benched again. This has been going on for quite a few years and now it's gotten to a point where it's honestly quite unsustainable for the player. I find this really striking because Simeone doesn't think twice about starting Saúl when his performances are honestly quite weak most of the time. That's just one example, but there are many players in the same situation, such as De Paul or Correa in my opinion. Something I've noticed about Simeone is that he seems to trust some players too much, and he seems to not trust some players enough. João unfortunately is not trusted enough. If you want a player to develop and become more consistent, you need to give them minutes, you need to trust them. That isn't happening here. That idea of trust, or lack thereof, is very clear when looking at Griezmann. He starts every game (deservedly so, he's basically the reason why we play any football at all), but he doesn't play as a striker, or at least he's afforded a lot more freedom to roam around, collect the ball and pull the strings. Why doesn't this happen with João? I believe it has to do with trust. Simeone implicitly trusts Griezmann and he's comfortable giving him that responsibility, which is what João needs to become the best version of himself. Our style of play also doesn't lend itself well to how João plays (in all honesty it doesn't lend itself well to football itself either, I don't know how I manage to sit through a whole match once or twice a week). I don't even want to describe how we play, because first of all, we don't, and second of all, I have so many things to say that I'd never finish writing this. Basically, we lack creativity or any sort of force driving us forward, we rely on Griezmann and basically that's it. Our pressing is perhaps the worst I've ever seen from a football team, our defence has been shambolic of late and we can't move the ball around quickly or vertically for the life of us. The whole team is massively underperforming, and in my opinion, that's an indication that there's something wrong with the coaching. Even if João was afforded a role more like Griezmann's, I think he'd still struggle, as the rest of the team around him would just not be ready for what he has to offer, they wouldn't make the right runs or be in the right places. This is all stuff that's worked on in training, and it seems like it's being completely glossed over at the moment, simply by the looks of things on the pitch. João could do with improving his attitude though. He's definitely not gonna go anywhere under Simeone if he keeps this up, but honestly I understand his frustration. There are so many things going wrong that the best he can do is leave the club, or hope for a management change, which seems unlikely, although if we continue playing so poorly it might just happen. He's so talented, and I honestly don't understand how he's managed to stick with us for so long, because a lot of these problems have been apparent for many years now.

Just imagine if this guy was playing for Real instead... He'd also be very interesting in City or Liverpool

I really want him to get playing time with a team that suits his style! He's such a gifted player

For a manager like Simeone who will never change his attitude and his style a player like Felix should never have signed for them and even Benfica rather than just taking the money could have resisted the offer and saved his career. His talents deserve a good attacking team and Atletico also need to come out of this we are the underdogs mentality as Simeone has made them believed . He's the highest paid manager in the world and no other big club will ever accept his style of play that's why he will never leave them and I'm stunned how fans cheer at his name more than the players and this shows how the club is run. He is no great manager even I could have a team play like Atletico and that too on a shoe string budget and with championship players

Joao Felix could work, he has had some bright games but they are always very few and far between. He played against Getafe in the first game of the season then got a hat trick of assists, he started 6 more games doing absolutely nothing and almost half assing his job. He was then benched and he was surprised by that and acted like a spoilt child. He had an opportunity to play of the bench against Cadiz got 2 goals and then in Porto the whole team was in shambles. He deserves a few more chances but I would rather the club cash him in and rebuild the whole squad.

Great rant about the transfer fees, Adrian. Because of you and others, I use One Football for my reads rather than loading up an insane amount of tabs of all the blogs etc that I used to follow, and I've noticed this with wages as well. Plenty of article/blog posts have X wages per week star .... It's a ridiculous thing to constantly link players to when talking about their performances.

Felix should go to Manchester United. He will have Portuguese friends here, United need a new striker, and his technical ability would fit Ten Hag’s system like a glove. The Glazers are also willing to spend 150m for him.

He would be a perfect fit for arsenal with his age profile and playing style. The fee could be a problem though....

Hey Adrian, can you make a video on Atleti under Simeone, especially how they have regressed under Simeone in the last few seasons. With Atleti completely eliminated without even making it to the Europa League, is it finally time for Atleti to part ways with Simeone and chart a new direction for the club.

I remember him years ago from Football manager, then I never really saw him play until that hat trick in the europa league, I had been to see benfica play a year before that but didn’t look out for Felix, I think even from the beginning the transfer to Atleti was a strange one they’re a heavily defensive oriented team yet they bought one of europes most up and coming creative attacking players never made sense, there’s been sparks of brilliance but then times where all pundits talk about is his possible exit. At this point for the sake of his development and the clubs own interests I wouldn’t be surprised if Felix left after the World Cup though I could see him leaving in the summer as well. They’ve won a title and it’s been this long but simeone seems to have a style and with that style has players he trusts ahead of Felix but for Felix’s sake he needs a new start with s tan and manager that value what he brings

Was really hoping he could get some form this season for the WC. He’s like a secret weapon, unfortunately if he’s struggling under Simone he will never fit in under santos .

The thing is they need him to be good so that they can recoup some of the money spent on him. But in order to be good they need simeone to not run a a defensive game plan that would make Jose blush. This kid is a generational talent. Joao in Chelsea, juventus, Bayern, Roma, Real, West Ham and New Castle would be phenomenal.

this is a great video adrian. would it be possible to do something similar about kai havertz of chelsea? i feel like there might be a similar story there but he's gone through 3 managers and the price tag and the hype does not seem to live up to the name...chelsea fans are getting tired of backing him and his lee war received from scoring the champions league goal is diminishing

Felix should go out on a loan move to Benfica. Benfiquistas would love that, Felix would love that. He can regain his confidence and happiness on the pitch so to increase his market value for a potencial sell in the summer. If Benfica makes another surgical attack on the market in January we could see them go far in the CL

Joao Felix should go to a club that utilizes his strengths fully. He is a talented forward with great potential to be world class, but playing for an extremely defensive team like Atletico Madrid is not going to do his career any good.

Most of us Atleti followers wanted Joao to succeed and want to see him on the pitch. Sucks this hasn't worked out but I do agree a move is best he is young and has a lot of footy in him. As for Morata the guy sucks he doesn't do anything for the us he can't even hold the ball up like a #9 trips over blades of grass and always seems to be on the floor trying to buy a foul.

The move from Benfica to Atletico never really made sense in the 1st place. Given his ability and style, there was no way he'd ever reach his best under Simeone. Don't understand how Jorge Mendes convinced Felix that this was the right step for him

Adrian, any chance you could do something similar to Squawka with a Dream, Realistic, Wildcard video on what clubs both Felix and Simeone could go next please?

I would love to see him at City. LW/inside forward role would be fun. Along with Bernardo at CM and even Cancelo behind them making that triangle would be a tremendous watch

I think you might need to do a video regarding the new things SRF dug up regarding the Qatar WC affair. It’s very interesting and definitely worth a closer look

This is one of those situations where the transfer wasn’t a good idea for the player or the club in the first place. The massive price tag was always going to be held over his head just like it is with any big money signing, and that coupled with the fact that Atletico’s style of play doesn’t exactly translate to massive offensive success has led to this. The transfer was doomed from the start in my opinion, I never understood why Atletico spent so much money on Felix in the first place

From the moment the transfer happened, it didn't seem right but was hoping Simeone planned to expand his brand of football. I hope he moves for the sake of his future and he's welcomed here at Arsenal

Remember his debut like it eas yesterday. Made similar run like messi vs getafe, but got fouled and it was a penalty. This guy will be a ballon dor contender if he transfer to an attacking minded team.

I saw it coming right from when he made the move.

Hey man love your content, by any chance you have a soft spot for ac milan??

Unless semione fails to qualify for UCL 2 seasons running, I can't see how he gets sacked. I really thought felix chose the right option by going to atleti as at United you'd have too much pressure, Chelsea fans are too divided and city will not cater to you specifically, I really thought atleti will keep him as a focul point. Sadly it wasn't the case.

Please free this man from simeone, anyone who enjoys football likes felix, his talent is so evident any time he gets on the ball. A team with fast players running ahead of him and a balanced midfield behind him and he will shine

There's no way, that A) Bayern bid 9 digits (would be their 1st) on a such a gamble with no need for a player type like this, they'd need a 6 (CDM), maybe a LB backup and before Choupo-Goating i would've said a 9. They are stacked with young talents for all possible Felix positions. ...and B) That Atletico would not accept 100 mio after how it went so far. Wouldn't spend more than 40 mio flat, maybe a bit more with loan and option.

No You ARE RIGHT Adrian. Thank You

In the first half of the 20-21 season, I saw the best version of him. But continuous injuries, Someone's lack of progressiveness on pitch, we haven't got the best of him. Either he should leave or Simeone should be sacked. The latter seems impossible so he has to leave although I wanted him to succeed at atletico.

Atleti need to sell him in the winter window, hes never gonna work out under Simeone and we can get at least 80 million for him in the PL I think. Solves our money issues and even leaves enough for a decent centerback, which we are in dire need of.

i looked up your "how relevant are transfer fees" video and i couldnt seem to find. You said it was 3 years ago? Neither a google search nor going through your uploads helped(maybe im blind)

It was a FIFA Career Mode signing just because he has potential and the position similarity with Griezmann wasn't going to make him a fit necessarily

126M the magic number! Now, if Atlético loan João Félix to Benfica until the end of the season is going to play every single time.

Atleti should go for someone like Andre Silva as his more of a old school number 9. who would fit there style more

Bro how do u pronounce "João" so well ? im not cappin, im portuguese u said it perfectly 👌

Diego Simeone's tactics destroys good players, going to Atletico was a mistake for many players

he was amazing and unleashed at the world cup! he needs to go to the epl!!

With the Morata vs Felix you failed to mention how Morata is great in the press and works a lot without the ball while Felix doesn't really put a lot of effort without the ball

The video is spot on, and let me just add that now is the time to sack Simone as coach. Sometimes the orchestrator is no longer able to direct his control through his empowerment for his team. I believe these news would be welcomed if they came in the next few days, because, quite frankly, a new coach can come in and breathe new life into a team like Atleti with players as deserving as Joao.

It's like players don't watch the teams the sign for. And then signed a Death Row contract as well 🤦🏾‍♂️

I feel like he should really just leave Atletico and go to a team that’ll actually suit him or want to work with him. Both Real Madrid and Manchester United have a need for a striker right now and could suit his profile, whilst Chelsea also could be an option if they don’t want Auba or Havertz as ST. Felix’s combination of playmaking and goal threat as well as heading the ball well could make him a good Benzema replacement, whilst Man United could use him and Fernandes as a double second striker combo or even pair him and Ronaldo as a front 2.

He’d be perfect for Utd when Cristiano leaves 😭

I think it's not Felix, it's someone who needs to leave. He is becoming the new Arsen Wenger of athleico who doesn't deliver. His park the bus, and over defensive tactics just don't work in modern football

Félix never left Benfica really... i hope he makes our dream true

Hugo Viana. Perfect example of a Portuguese Golden Boy - Anderson Perfect example of a gifted player who looks great in tje Portuguese League

He does work anywhere. He's not good enough for a top team. He's meant for midtable teams

He is a generational talent but is truly wasted at Atletico

How about Liverpool or Everton .....they love great players ... flexible team player with good work ethics !!

Feel for the guy.

I'm an atleti fan, but I don't watch them super often. I think it's time to part ways with Simeone now honestly after the WC. See if the next coach can revive Felix.. and then we at end of the season make a decision.

He SHOULD go back to Benfica! They're doing amazing! Add him to the mix and Benfica becomes a CL contender!! 🙏👏

He's a good replacement for Firmino at Liverpool. They both play as deep lying forward looking to lay off passes to the inside forwards like Diaz and Salah.

Infelizmente para o João a sua situação é muito similar à do CR7 no Man U.... só que lhe falta o status para poder forçar a saída como o Cris fez.

if a talented player like this getting hindered just think about the thousands of young players goin thru the same thing just cuz the don’t fit w the coach tactics.

Bora Jonny F volta aí para o Glorioso. Abraço

The guy is excellent, and should absolutely leave Atleti. I wish he was on my club, the might Scunthorpe United, but seriously he needs more of his clubs offensive focus.

13:22 I think this Morata/Felix comparison needs some context - Joao got those 3 assists in a single game, and those 2 goals in another. Extremely streaky contribution will always be viewed worse than a similar but more consistent output. Either way I agree that it just doesn't work. Atleti's squad doesn't fit Simeone ball, where you want those hardworking, physically great players, nor a true possession football, which they've tried to play at times and got destroyed on counter. De Paul, Felix or Lemar simply don't fit the system which doesn't allow them to consistently play their game, and Atleti need to make a decision - either go all in on Simeoneball and the players he needs, or a possession football and hope Simeone can adapt or get another coach if he can't. This disjointed squad can do neither very well right now.

It sounds like you're saying Juan Félix, instead of Joao.

how do you say joao joang?

The problem is he never hit the ground running. Overhyped the same way as Thomas Lemar, atleast he wanted to change while Felix is spoiled and will probably leave instead of adapt and change.

Given everything the host said about his abiity. It would have been interesting to know what the thought process was in choosing Athletico Madrid and Diego Simione in the first place. What the hell was the Felix camp thinking when they decided to take the money and run to Simione. I don't buy the high price tag arguement. If a player makes the decision to go to the highest bidder...it's their choice. Everything.....high expectations, critisism, glory, commericials, etc,.... comes with the high price tag. What I'm hearing is that Felix made the choice based on money. If Mendes did work the deal for him to go to A Madrid, then Mendes was only concerned about his and the players bank accounts. Cleary, A Madrid was not the best place for a player of Felix's skill level. When was Simione the best Manager for developing skilled young players. This whole thing, to me, is on Felix, not A Madrid or even Simione. If Felix and his people really want to play football, then walk into the front office and say, I want to leave and I want to pay to get out of my contract. If he really wants to play and believes in his ability, he surely will be a star and recoup any money at the right club. But Felix, his people and his agent will never do that.....because it's ALWAYS about the money, not the football.

It's doesn't aged well lmao Atletico are playing far better since Joao Felix leaves, when Felix himself is still struggling at Chelsea...

he should just come to United!! we need him

Does he fit Barcelona's need? More than a style I would ask

I'd love to see him at Real Madrid. I feel like he'd be a perfect fit, but unfortunately that will never happen.💔

Going to real and replacing benzema in the near future as a centre forward might be a good idea

Come back to Benfica. He was loved and appreciated :)

Felix to Aleti never made sense. Yes hindsight is 20/20 but a creative player going to workhorse like team as Aleti. The formations at Aleti was never designed to get the best out of a 100mill man

to many strikers to many players with talent it doesn’t work.

as a spurs fan if son ends up leaving I'd love for joao felix to be a two top with kane

Why do u pronounce Felix as Juang? You used to pronounce it as Juan, now Juang, its confusing

Wow, Rui Costa himself throwing darts at Atleti??? That's some next level beef right there. Maybe Simeone injured him once in Serie A and he kept the grudge LOL what a mess

Some of the blame has to go on Felix himself. He should've known better about Simeone's tactics and how he has zero expressive football in his game plan.

Felix's biggest issue is inconsistency. For every good game where he shows glimpses of greatness, he follows it with 4 dud performances...this has happened over and over during his time at Atleti. I think he has been given plenty of chances -- to the detriment of players like Correa -- but he just hasn't found a way to perform that well. Plenty of players have found ways to thrive at Atletico but he hasn't, so I don't think you can chalk it up to Atleti's playing style. I think he just hasn't lived up to the hype he had when he came to Atletico and I don't see him performing much better at other top clubs. It was clearly a gamble that didn't pay off for Atletico, sadly....I just hope they can sell him for a half way decent price and I hope Felix finds a club where he will be happier.

I hope he comes to Chelsea, maybe we can send Pulisic or zyiech to atleti.

The number 7 jersey awaits you at old Trafford

The pressure put on these young players is insane and usually bring them to failure, look at Bojan, he was labeled the new Messi, where is he now?

Will he get picked for the World Cup? And if so will he play?

How about a swap deal of dembele and felix?? I thinking it would be perfect for all parties! Although selling dembele to a league rival is not ideal, but Atleti are gonna ask a hefty price.

I’ve been saying this for years anyone that knows football can see he was too young to playing this type of football while still needing development wasn’t a good match imo

Would he betray atletico to go to real Madrid?? Imo if it’s for his career I think he’d do it, considering benzema Is getting old and may retire soon. I think he’d be a good fit. But then again it’s risky.

Rodrigo de Paul too

A Thomas Tuchel can make this squad more appealing to watch.

I mean, maybe he is just a bit overhyped... I remember watching dinamo zagreb against benfica in 18/19 season. I don't remember seeing him on the pitch.

I'd be happy to see him at Arsenal but I don't think we a club that's going to pay 100 mill for one player.

Can any Portuguese person confirm that him pronouncing Joao as Jhoan idk how to write it but it's like he put an N in there for no reason. Not annoyed, just legit curious?

What is Felix best position by the way? False 9?

could he be a fit at R Madrid? Modric could leave at season's end and Madrid would need a creative spark.

I feel like Felix would be brilliant at Real Madrid, but we know ATM won't let him go to a rival. I know he's a player who can make a difference for Real especially with how Benzema has been