PFDB report: Joao Felix slaloms past defenders

Joao Felix was also the last to be chosen by his classmates when it came to picking teams at schools because he is small, but they could not have imagined where he would be now. Even Porto were not convinced by his ability when he was in their academy. In any case, he is some player right now.

The footballer from Viseu is even more famous than likes of Paulo Sousa who won two straight European Cups. After shining for Benfica, Atletico Madrid spent millions on the player who was touted as the next Cristiano Ronaldo. Although many say Simeone's style of play does not suit him, the 20 year-old still gets to show off his quality. 

Joao Felix brings back memories of Rui Costa when he starts dribbling or when he finds spaces no one else finds to play in his teammates. If he keeps on going like this, he could do even better than him.

After getting 20 goals and eight assists for Benfica last season, this year, according to ProFootballDB, he must settle for 1.07 key passes and 1.24 dribbles for every 90 minutes he plays. Under Simeone, he has never been the main man. He either starts on the bench or gets subbed off later on (he has only played the 90 minutes nine times in 28 matches).

Simeone has decided to look after him and ease him in when it may be better to throw him into the deep end. He is not phased by being kicks. In fact, that spurs him on. At Benfica, he became a natural leader and broke many records because of his youth. His standout performances was in the Europa League game with Eintracht Frankfurt when he got a hat-trick, an assist and he put in a sensational display. And that was when all the spotlight was on Frankfurt's Luka Jovic. 

Joao Felix is a striker. He has the capability to win matches for his team especially when he is close to the opposite box. He gets his opponents with ease, but he can even break down tough defences. 

You have to be patient with him, but that implies taking responsibility away from him. When he plays well, the team normally ends up winning.