Enzo Maresca has disclosed why Joao Felix hasn’t played many matches in the Premier League since joining Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca Shares Reason For Joao Felix’s Lack Of Playing Time In The Premier League
Maresca shared that he would love to offer Felix more playing time in the Premier League, but it will be to the detriment of the Blues.
Enzo Maresca indicated that due to the need for “balance”, Chelsea cannot opt to play Joao Felix, Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku in a match.
Speaking in a pre-match presser ahead of Chelsea’s clash with FC Noah, Maresca said: “I feel a shame about João, but not only about him”.
“I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League but we need balance. We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Nkunku”.
Joao Felix At Chelsea
Felix joined Chelsea permanently from Spanish side Atletico Madrid on August 21, 2024, for a fee of €52 million.
Joao Felix has made 9 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
Out of 10 league matches, the Portugal international has made just 5 substitute appearances for Chelsea.
The 24-year-old had initially represented Chelsea on loan in the second half of the 2022/23 season.
Felix made 20 appearances for the Blues, scoring 4 goals and providing no assists across all competitions.
Joao Felix impressed in his first stint at Chelsea but he hasn’t been able to hit those heights since re-signing for the club in August 2024.
Chelsea Against FC Noah
The Blues return to action on Thursday, November 7, 2024, entertaining FC Noah at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Conference League and Felix will be hoping to feature in the encounter.
Chelsea aim to make it 3 wins out of 3 matches in the competition, which will help them remain at the summit of the UEFA Conference League log.
Enzo Maresca’s side have recorded 6 points from 2 matches, scoring 8 goals and conceding 3 goals. They have a +5 goal difference.
Who Is Joao Felix?
Felix is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Atlético Madrid and the Portugal national team.
His Personal Information
Joao Felix was born on November 10, 1999, in Viseu, Benefica to father, Carlos, and mother, Carla.
Felix has a younger brother, whose name is Hugo, born on March 3, 2024, and he currently plays for the youth teams of Benfica.
Moreover, Joao Félix was in a relationship with Portuguese actress Margarida Corceiro until May 2023.
Joao Felix’s Net Worth And Market Value?
His market value according to Transfermkt is €30 million, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €55 million – €60 million.
His salary?
Joao Felix earns about €202,000 per week at Atletico Madrid.
Joao Felix’s Position?
Felix can function as a second striker, left winger, and center-forward depending on where he is instructed to play by his manager.
Joao Felix Career Stats?
Felix has made 247 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 71 goals and providing 36 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Joao Felix has made 43 appearances for Portugal, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists.
Before first featuring for the senior national team of Portugal in June 2019 under manager Fernando Santos, Felix represented Portugal at the Under 18, 19, and 21 levels.
Joao Felix’s Achievements?
He has won 1 La Liga, 1 UEFA Nations League and 1 Liga Portugal title.