“With my dad and my brother we used to watch the Barca and we have always been fans of this great club,” said Joao Felix following his long-awaited move to Catalonia on deadline day.
The Portuguese attacker had not hidden his love for Barcelona throughout this summer’s transfer window and eventually, his prayers were answered. The 23-year-old eventually secured a season-long loan to Catalonia and will be hopeful that it’s a little more fruitful than his short time at Chelsea last season.
Joined by his namesake Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, also on a season-long loan, Xavi now has his squad set in place for the upcoming campaign. It’s typically star-studded, littered with some immense talents at both ends of their careers.
But where does Felix fit into this team? Well, Xavi has to find a solution to that enviable problem.
In Barcelona‘s 4-3 victory over Villarreal in La Liga, Xavi opted for a 4-3-3 formation. The Spanish coach has been pragmatic in his tactical approach so far this season, but if he persists with the system that toppled the Yellow Submarine Felix could be in trouble.
Robert Lewandowski currently has that lone striker role nailed down and it would take some incredible performances from Felix to usurp his new teammate. It looks unlikely that Xavi would opt for a two-man partnership up top, unless he uses a narrow 4-4-2 diamond formation to incorporate his talented central midfielders, meaning the Barcelona coach may have to find an alternate role for the forward.
Potential lineups
Raphinha – Felix – Gavi
Yamal – Felix – Gavi
Raphinha – Felix – Yamal
Given Felix isn’t best suited to leading the line anyway, he could find a home in a number 10 role for Barcelona.
Against Cadiz, Xavi employed a fairly unorthodox 3-4-2-1 formation with Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal as wing-backs. Gavi and Pedri played off Lewandowski up front in more advanced midfield roles – a role that could suit Felix well.
Felix operates best in those central areas as a second striker or number 10, offering creativity in tight spaces and supporting the centre-forward. The 23-year-old would likely thrive playing just off a sensational striker such as Lewandowski.
Potential lineups
Felix (#10) – Lewandowski – Gavi (#10)
Felix (#10) – Lewandowski – Pedri (#10)
If Xavi is to play with a traditional front three, or wide players in a 4-2-3-1, then Felix could be shunted off to the left flank. He has operated in such a role in the past, but would likely still feature fairly centrally.
Given the left-footed Yamal and Raphinha will continue to feature on the right wing, Felix would naturally take up residence on the opposite flank. It would perhaps be a way to shoehorn Felix into the side, but he could still offer plenty of attacking threat for Xavi in such a role.
Potential lineups
Raphinha – Lewandowski – Felix
Yamal – Lewandowski – Felix
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