Years go by, and life goes on the same for Joao Felix. Whether in Madrid, Barcelona or London, the player project top who signed the contract five years ago Atlético at a star price it is still not consolidated, and it gives more of a feeling of taking steps backwards than anything else. Because its second adventure in the Chelsea It started as the one ended. Barçaand also that of the Atlético: on the bench.
Just 108 minutes The Portuguese has played in the four Premier League matches in which he has been part of the game since he returned to Stamford Bridge in an exchange (50 million) by Conor GallagherHe has not been a starter in any of the four, and the last one against West Ham, in which he came on with the game already decided with half an hour to go, was the one in which he spent the most time on the pitch.
In his return to action, he scored the sixth goal in the rout against Wolves. A testimonial goal that is still the only notch on his revolver. He has neither scored nor assisted in the little playing time he has enjoyed since that day. And the situation, judging by the words of his new coach, Italian Enzo Marescait doesn’t look like it’s going to change in the near future.
“We have Cole and Joao”
“As a left winger, we have Jadon (Sancho) and Misha (Mudryk). On the far right, we have Noni (Madueke) and Pedro (Neto)As attacking midfielders, we have Joao (Felix) and Cole (Palmer). As number ‘9’, we have Nicolas (Jackson) and Christo (Nkunku). The squad is quite clear in terms of position. Everyone has positions and we have two players in each,” said Maresca, setting up a more than difficult competition for the Portuguese.
Joao Felix during Chelsea’s match at Bournemouth. / Alastair Grant
Why Palmer He is Chelsea’s big star. He has only been at Stamford Bridge for one season, generated 40 goals (25 goals and 15 assists), has served to establish him as the football leader of the Blues. A status that was earned with hard work Mauricio Pochettinobut that has not changed at all since Maresca’s arrival on the bench. If anything, it has strengthened it.
In an interwar Chelsea, Palmer was the light. And now, with the Blues finding their way in the Premier League, he is the axis around which all your game revolvesIn just five games, Palmer He already has two goals and four assists. An average of more than one goal generated per game, figures that Joao has never come close to in his career.
The Conference League, their salvation
It seems unlikely, therefore, that the Portuguese, who has not been inclined to compete for a place during his career, will be able to beat an established star like Palmer. At least, in a Premier League in which Chelsea will focus almost all of his energies to try to get back to the Champions. But in others tournaments, minors Of course, it will have its window to stand out.
At the beginning of September, the London team made public the UEFA List A for the Conference League. And in it, Palmer’s absence was striking. Maresca quickly offered an explanation of why he was giving up his biggest star to play in Europaclearly showing that the third continental competition is far from being one of the club’s priorities,
“The reason why Cole (Palmer), Wes (Fofana) and Romeo (Lavia) are outside the template of the Conference League It’s to protect them a little bit. In the case of Wes and Romeo it’s a little bit different, because last year they came back from long-term injuries. In Cole’s case, it’s a mix, since last year was a tough and intense season for him. We try to protect you“As I said, that is precisely the reason,” said Mareca, who could rescue Palmer in the winter if he progresses through the rounds.
Meanwhile, Joao will have in the Conference League and in the League Cup Chelsea will start their chance this Tuesday against Barrow from the English fourth division. at 24 years old An expensive rotation player, he will have to stand out in the mud of minor tournaments if he wants to force Maresca to rethink his plan to have him as a substitute and substitute. Once again, the Portuguese is looking at the starting line. And this time, although the same thing is always said about him, he may be facing his last chance in the elite.
