Could João Félix be the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo?

João Félix is one of the hottest prospects in European football…

The game of Football has evolved a lot in recent times. A sport that once had experienced heads leading teams to glory, this generation has seen a shift of focus to more young-blooded and developing players taking the mantle. All the sides are now looking to strengthen their respective academies to promote from the inside. In a world of rising demand for the youngsters, arguably the most enterprising teenager is João Félix.

The Portuguese speedster had been turning heads with his brilliant performances at Benfica. He then secured a big move to Atletico Madrid in this summer transfer window. Having come into the spotlight at a tender age, he has already secured a regular spot in the national side alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. There have also been several comparisons drawn between them and here’s why Félix is more than capable of filling his compatriot’s boots.

FLAIR

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Raw pace and ability are traits that are never under-appreciated. A player who can run at defences and conjure moments of magic are great assets to the side, and Félix is one such player. Tricks and flicks form a major part of his game with his dribbling show on point. He does not dither to try the flashy option and is skilled enough to pull it off as well. His unpredictability and will to produce should aid him in scaling heights.

TOTAL PACKAGE

One of the undeniable strengths of Félix is his speed, but so is the case for most other promising talents. What sets him apart from the rest is his all-round ability and composure with the ball. He shows levels of maturity beyond his age and is a clever player who takes plenty of intelligent runs. He has a penchant for scoring vital goals for his side, which include tap-ins, long-range strikes, and clinical finishes. He also has the passing range of an experienced regista and is adept with both his feet and head.

VERSATILITY

Many of the world’s best players have had the problem of lack of adjustment and adaptability. Footballers with immense quality have succumbed to the manager’s formation changes that excluded their specialized position. In the case of the Portuguese, however, this is no obstacle as he is more than capable of filling in various positions. He can play almost anywhere in the attacking half of the field, a feature prominent in the elite professionals of the game.

MENTORSHIP

The rise to fame at such an early part of his career can only mean Félix is going to keep improving. The man who has all the nuances a player must possess to guide him to the right path is his national teammate Ronaldo.

An athlete of the highest order, Cristiano could oversee the way to stardom of the youngster by sharing his experiences and ventures. Combine that with the coaching of one of the world’s best coaches in Diego Simeone and the presence of a senior figure Diego Costa in his club one can see the career of Félix flourish in the coming years.

RESPONSIBILITY

Atletico sought after his services after they had lost their talisman Griezmann to Barcelona. The Colchoneros bought the teenager for a whopping 130 million euros, making him the fourth most expensive player ever. The lack of a spearhead combined with the price tag over his head has created a need for Félix to hit the found running at the Wanda Metropolitano.

He is also expected to shoulder the responsibilities of Portugal once the great man hangs his boots. However, diamonds are created under pressure, and this gem of a player could use some of it to fine-tune himself into a legend.

Do you think Joao Felix will live up to his potential?