Chelsea star Joao Felix 'not humble enough' to succeed

James Shearman

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Chelsea star Joao Felix's talent is not an issue but his personality is, according to La Liga legend Santiago Canizares.

The former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper thinks that Felix's lack of humility is to blame for not succeeding at Atletico Madrid.

''The club is not to blame for anything about Joao Felix,'' Canizares told Radio Marca.

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''[Atleti head coach Diego Simeone] is partly to blame for not being able to exploit him. But the most important thing a coach can count on is the player's will and the player has never been humble enough to overcome difficult moments within the club.

''When he has not seen himself starting, he has twisted his nose; when he has seen that he is not the leader of the team, he has not taken a step forward.''

Felix could make his Chelsea debut in the west London derby against high-flying Fulham tonight.

How Chelsea could line up with Joao Felix

Edouard Mendy has fallen out of favour under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, the man preferred in between the sticks.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit enough to start many games together, but they remain the first-choice full-back pairing at Stamford Bridge.

Wesley Fofana has also had his injury woes, while Kalidou Koulibaly has been underwhelming, so Benoit Badiashile will partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence.

Mateo Kovacic has emerged as Chelsea's best midfielder over the past 18 months and Denis Zakaria has come into form in recent weeks.

Joao Felix can play as an attacking midfielder, but Potter is a big fan of Mason Mount.

Summer signing Raheem Sterling will keep his place on the right flank, with Felix likely to take his place on the left.

Kai Havertz will lead the line, with Armando Broja injured and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking a poor piece of business.