Who is Europe’s top new prospect Joao Felix?

Benfica’s Joao Felix, one of the most sought-after players in world football, is being closely monitored by Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and more of Europe’s top teams. But who is this Portuguese 19-year-old, and why do the best teams in the world want him?

In this tactical analysis, we will look at the role Joao Felix has played for Benfica so far this season and what makes him such a promising talent.

Position

So far this season, Felix has started 13 league games for Benfica and made five substitute appearances. For most of his starts, Joao Felix has started up top with striking partner Haris Seferovic.

His passing and goal-scoring abilities make him ideal for a formation utilising two strikers. On occasion, Felix has played on the left side of a front three.

Goal scoring

Joao Felix has scored nine first-team goals for Benfica since his first appearance on 18 August 2018. In the 10 matches he started in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Felix has scored seven goals. He scored his first goal in the league after coming on as a sub against Sporting Lisbon, bringing his total league goal tally to eight. All these goals were scored within the 18-yard-box.

Outside of the league, he has only scored once, also within the 18-yard-box. In 1064 minutes of first-team football, Joao Felix has scored nine goals.

Passing

In all competitions, Felix has achieved a 77.8% pass success percentage, averaging 19.3 passes and 1.1 key passes per game. As well as cementing himself as one of Benfica’s top goal scorers this season, the Portuguese starlet has contributed to goal creation as well. All four of his assists have come from starts in the league.

Conclusion

Joao Felix has burst onto the scene this season, proving himself as a dangerous youth prospect in the Portuguese Primeira League. But despite his impressive statistics, Felix has much to prove before deserving a move to one of Europe’s top teams.

Considering the majority of his first-team experience has come playing in a two-man striker partnership, a potential move would force Felix to adapt to a new system since many top teams play with a three-man attack.

As well as new formations, the competition in Europe’s top leagues will be much tougher than that found in the Portuguese Primeira League. While this task will be daunting, Felix has shown promise that at only 19-years of age he can compete in the world of professional first-team football.