Chelsea’s Joao Felix Praised as “Top Player” by Teammate Despite Low Goal Involvement This Season
Ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League game against Noah, Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea’s talented center-back, shared insights into the team’s dynamics and the untapped potential of their attacking stars, especially Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk. Although Joao Felix has only registered one goal or assist this season, Badiashile confidently stated that the 24-year-old Portuguese forward is a "top player" and one of the squad’s smartest footballers. Felix, known for his skillful play, has faced challenges breaking into Chelsea’s competitive Premier League lineup, especially with head coach Enzo Maresca's preference for a fixed first-team strategy. Yet, his teammates are fully aware of his potential.
Felix returned to Chelsea this season from Atletico Madrid in a £45 million deal. While he has yet to make a significant statistical impact in the Premier League, he’s shown glimmers of his technical prowess during training sessions and lower-stakes matches. According to Badiashile, Felix brings a sharp intelligence to the pitch, and he’s a well-regarded member of the squad both on and off the field. Despite his relatively low goal and assist numbers, Badiashile and the team have high hopes for Felix’s impact, especially in competitions like the Europa Conference League, where he has more opportunities to showcase his skills.
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In discussing both Felix and Mudryk, another promising Chelsea winger, Badiashile highlighted their raw talent and emphasized that, despite their current statistics, both players are working hard to refine their game. He acknowledged that Mudryk is extremely fast and difficult to defend, qualities that make him an exciting prospect for Chelsea’s future. The key challenge, as Badiashile suggested, lies in helping these players adapt to Chelsea's demanding playstyle and become productive contributors in official matches.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has made a name for himself by making tough lineup choices, often keeping Felix and Mudryk on the bench in the Premier League. However, Maresca’s coaching philosophy is centered on steady improvement and believes that these players’ strengths will shine through if given the time to develop. In a recent press conference, he spoke about the “learning process” that players like Mudryk are undergoing, noting that while they may not start every game, they still have meaningful roles. The coach sees defensive skills and decisive moves in the box as essential areas for improvement, hinting that both Mudryk and Felix have made progress in these areas.
The high stakes of Chelsea’s current matches mean that even “second-string” games, like those in the Europa Conference League, carry significant importance for players looking to break into the first team. Fans at Stamford Bridge eagerly anticipate seeing Felix and Mudryk turn their training ground potential into actual game impact. For players like Felix, who is still just 24, these opportunities provide a stage to prove his worth to both the fans and the coaching staff. With backing from his teammates and encouragement from his coach, Felix has a foundation to build upon, and many are hopeful that his promising skills will soon translate into more consistent performance and key contributions for Chelsea on the field.
Ultimately, Badiashile’s praise reflects Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing its young talents despite the immediate pressures of top-flight competition. For Felix and Mudryk, who have only shown flashes of brilliance, it is an opportunity to establish themselves as indispensable members of the squad. With hard work, both players may yet justify their high price tags and bring long-term value to Chelsea’s attacking lineup.
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