Joao Felix was named in Chelsea's starting line-up to face Fulham this evening only a day after completing his loan move from Atletico Madrid. The 23-year-old joins the Blues until the end of the season to bolster Graham Potter's attacking options amid continual problems this season.
Chelsea have simply struggled to be a present force this season following the summer departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. Injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell have also squandered the Blues' attacking outlet, with no club in the Premier League top 10 scoring fewer goals.
After seeing his side struggle against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City last week, Potter placed his faith in Felix by naming him in his starting line-up at Craven Cottage on Thursday evening. The Portuguese lined-up in attack alongside Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
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After Potter explained Felix's inclusion at Craven Cottage, BT Sport pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch elaborated on the striker's impact at the club and what supporters can expect from him. "You’re heads in the spin dryer. You not only have the decision to move to another club, to move your family to another country, you’re excited," Cole said.
"You don’t know if you’re going to start, the manager probably had a look at him in training and thought you know what, he’s looking sharp and as Graham (Potter) said he’ll give the fans a lift, he’ll give the players a lift, and he’s an outstanding talent.
"The big question over him was playing in a (Diego) Simeone system where he had a lot of defensive responsibilities and it was very rigid, very dogged, was that getting the best out of him? Have we seen the best of him? We’ve seen moments and there’s no doubt about his quality and ability, but coming here Graham (Potter) likes to play an expansive way of playing.
"He’s a technician, Joao Felix, so he’ll fit in lovely. The question now is will he flourish here? And I think so, he’s a fantastic signing, I’m really excited to watch him tonight."
Peter Crouch seconded Cole's verdict on the temporary signing, insisting Felix will be able to show his true talent during his time in England. "I think this is probably more aimed at the transfer policy of Chelsea at the moment, £9 million for a player on loan - is it just because he’s a player who’s become available or is it a target they’ve had for a long time?
"I’d say no, but there’s no doubt about his ability, and the shackles will be off now I think from Simeone. He’s had to play within himself, now he can express himself and hopefully we see the best out of him."
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