Joao Felix issues BOLD Chelsea statement

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 19 Nov 2024 20:00 GMT
  • 3 min read
Joao Felix, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Joao Felix has informed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca that he will “perform best” in Cole Palmer’s preferred position.

Article continues under the video

Felix re-joined Chelsea on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid for €52 million in August, having spent time on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023, but he is yet to start a Premier League match so far this season.

The Portugal international has racked up just 117 minutes of action in the English top flight since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, while he has been an unused substitute in each of Chelsea’s last four league fixtures.

READ MORE: Chelsea identify PRIORITY Osimhen alternative

Felix has four goals and one assist across five appearances in the Europa Conference League and the Carabao Cup this term, but he is aiming to become a more influential figure at Stamford Bridge in the coming months.

However, Felix is behind the aforementioned Palmer in the Chelsea pecking order and the ex-Benfica wonderkid has admitted that he wants to play in the same position as the England international.

READ MORE: Caoimhin Kelleher to Chelsea? The state of play revealed

Joao Felix, Chelsea
© IMAGO - Joao Felix, Chelsea

What has Joao Felix said?

Following an immense performance during Portugal’s 1-1 draw against Croatia on Monday, in which he scored his ninth international goal, Felix told Sport TV: “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.”

Current ETV
Player image João Félix
João Félix

F (L)

Chelsea logo

Chelsea

João Félix
João Félix

F (L)

Chelsea

Chelsea

€44.4M

ETV Range

€33.3M - €55.5M

Felix was mostly used as a left winger during his season-long loan spell at Barcelona last year, but he was frequently deployed in a front two at Atletico Madrid.

However, with Enzo Maresca favouring Nicolas Jackson in a traditional centre forward role, Felix is extremely unlikely to be deployed in a false nine or second striker position, meaning he is vying with Palmer for a spot in Chelsea’s preferred starting XI.

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