On a cold January night at Craven Cottage, it almost felt like Chelsea had found the answer. Having barely been with the club for 24 hours Joao Felix started for Graham Potter and seemed to change everything.
The Portugal star was a constant threat from the halfway line and showed trickery on the ball, the ability to move directly and most importantly of all helped Chelsea actually have shots on goal, something that had been severely lacking. The Atletico had six shots of his own, though did not find the net, and was starting to hint at why Chelsea had decided to spend in the region of £9million a loan a
Doubt soon returned as a rash challenge saw Felix sent off, receiving a ban in the process. However, there seemed little doubt he was the Chelsea player with the most quality on the pitch.
READ MORE: Graham Potter's £45m transfer decision that Mauricio Pochettino will love as Chelsea boss
There was a greater understanding of the deal as the Blues looked to overcome an awful start to the season. Could Felix either inspire a run to the Champions League final or qualification to next season's competition via the top four?
That Chelsea had a belief he could do that, was the only way to rationalise the move in many regards, though even upon agreeing the loan, there was the suggestion the Blues would be keen to look at a permanent deal in the summer.
Finishing fourth in 2021/22 saw Chelsea earn £151.7million, £21.1million more than 10th that year. There was also money to be made in the Champions League. Reaching the quarter-final meant a further £9.4million after Felix's arrival, while the semi-final would have led to £11.1million and the final, £13.7million.
With Chelsea out of Europe and not looking like they will finish in the top half, never mind a European spot, the temporary addition has not paid off in many ways. Felix has offered two Premier League goals and no assists across 12 appearances, and no goal contribution across four appearances in the Champions League.
Graham Potter noted from the outset: "My thoughts are that you have to fix the team. It’s not just one person to solve the problems. You have to fix the team, attack better, create chances, and then whoever is playing then can score and the team can win. That is the focus. Clearly, though, Joao is a top player, a talented player, and he can help the team.
"I see a confident person, a confident player, a player that can impose himself on the game. His personality and attributes are that he can take the ball in tight spaces, make the difference in the final third, and play passes. I think he complements what we have as well so I’m looking forward to working with him.”
The team has not yet been fixed and Felix has not yet flourished. He has undoubted ability on the ball, and will always deliver a moment of excitement but neither or nor Chelsea have been able to figure out a way to be more potent.
Nevertheless, there remains the possibility that Felix could stay in west London. Maybe even on a loan deal, with a permanent offering proving more difficult.
However, Felix remains a luxury and Chelsea's priorities should probably lie elsewhere. Squad numbers must be reduced, and the end of Felix and Denis Zakaria's loan is a start to that. The Portuguese star takes up a space where Chelsea have an overwhelming number of options, not necessarily better than the attacker, but an area the Blues need to cut rather than add to, especially with the expected arrival of Christopher Nkunku.
Perhaps there is merit in continued interest, that Chelsea trust their initial assessment and by making the right adjustments to the squad Felix can thrive. Indeed, the loanee may have needed this period to settle and could better kick on next term.
Maybe, but at this moment, fixing the problems must be the priority rather than attempting solutions that are yet to work. The suggestion that assurances over playing time would be required is only another red flag.
Particularly when signings such as Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke were made in January, and other prospects wait in the wings.
READ NEXT:
What Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Noni Madueke did at full-time as Chelsea scramble for answers
Chelsea's major Mauricio Pochettino dilemma evident after more debatable Frank Lampard decisions
Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford as Aubameyang and Mudryk cannot prevent Blues defeat
Every word Frank Lampard said on Chelsea jeopardy, exonerating players, Cucurella and Aubameyang
Chelsea given perfect Mauricio Pochettino verdict as Todd Boehly urged to sell £75m trio
