NOBODY would argue that Atletico’s best performance of the season came as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in last month’s Champions League last 16 first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Even still a player who did not feature that night looks key to Atletico’s chances of completing the job at Anfield on Wednesday – with a fit again Joao Felix their most likely creator of the away goal that they realistically speaking likely need to progress.
Given the scoreline from the first game, Atletico coach Diego Simeone may be tempted to name an even more cautious line-up than usual. But two goals in three games since his return from injury have led many around the Wanda Metropolitano to call for the Portuguese starlet to come into the side.
“We must score at Anfield,” wrote former Atletico striker turned media pundit Kiko Narvaez in AS on Monday. “Jurgen Klopp’s side, with their pressing in the opposition half, always give you a chance if you can break it. So we need a player who is quick, precise and can make the right decisions on the counter-attack.”
Another goal today for João Félix. That’s 2 in 3 so far since his return from injury.
Hoping for a strong end of the season for the young talent who’s had a mixed bag due to injuries, great to see him back on the scoresheet.
— Próxima Jornada (@ProximaJornada1) March 7, 2020
There was not such a focus on the positives around Joao Felix before injury ruled the 20-year-old out of the first leg on February 18. After lots of excitement pre-season and then in his first few La Liga games for Atletico, the reality of playing for Atletico hit home. The youngster was tried in various roles, including right side of midfield, as he learned the different tactical and physical requirements of playing under El Cholo. There was further frustration all round as the clearly talented kid was almost always substituted, even when his team needed a late goal in games.
It all took a toll, and the previously positive and bouncy character began to look very low on confidence and energy. He had scored just once in his previous 13 club games across all competitions, with zero assists either, before picking up a muscle injury in mid-January. The burden of expectation seemed to be weighing heavily on his still quite skinny shoulders.
Since returning against Villarreal at the Wanda a fortnight ago, the impression has been very different. Entering for the last half hour, he looked keen on making up for lost time. Five of his 16 touches were shots at goal, two were on target, and one arrowed to the net to clinch a 3-1 win.
“Everyone can see what is expected of Joao, he's a young boy and he has lots of room for improvement,” Koke said that afternoon. “Many great players have had to adapt to Atletico and it's not easy, he's young. If he listens to the boss and his teammates, I'm sure we'll see the Joao we all want to see.”
Simeone eased him back with another run off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Espanyol, before a first start back in Saturday’s La Liga game at home to Sevilla. He was easily the most creative player on either team through the first hour of the game, often dropping deep to link with his midfield, and then get the ball forward quickly to Morata up top. He also took his goal really confidently, drilling home, after being put into space in the box by Koke.
Diego Simeone has explained his decision to take Joao Felix off yesterday, as his substitution was jeered by Atletico fans:
"The doctor told me to be careful with Joao because he was getting cramps, that's why the change came." pic.twitter.com/971ha1negB
— Goal (@goal) March 8, 2020
There was also warm encouragement from the crowd even when two over ambitious long range efforts flew wide in the second half. The Wanda faithful really wants Joao Felix to succeed – and has warmed to the kid’s personality and commitment, and there were even whistles for Simeone’s decision to substitute him late on with the game at 2-2.
“Those fans did not know that Joao had cramps and we had to be careful with him and take him off,” snapped Simeone at the post-game news conference. “Joao played a good game, was very involved.”
Some of the faith in Joao Felix comes from Atletico fans and pundits’ low confidence in their other attacking options. Morata converted his penalty confidently on Saturday, but his last goal in open play was before the winter break. Diego Costa is not even close to full fitness following his back problems, and the most recent of his two goals all season came in October.
There is also a feeling that, if Joao Felix really is the future superstar that many believe, stages such as Anfield should bring the best out of him. In his only senior season with Benfica he scored crucial goals in derbies against Sporting. The stunning Europa League hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt seemed confirmation the much hyped youngster was the real thing.
There is likely a temptation for Simeone to keep Joao Felix back again on Wednesday, and to instead play an extra battler like Marcos Llorente in midfield. But that would disappoint those in and around Atletico who feel their best chance of going through lies with the talented youngster who has been waiting for this big chance since he arrived at the club.
