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Roberto Martinez credits Barcelona for improving Joao Felix form

Martinez credits Barcelona for improving Felix form
© Reuters
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez says that Barcelona have helped on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix find "another dimension".

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has said that Barcelona have helped Joao Felix find "another dimension".

The 23-year-old joined the Catalan outfit on loan from Atletico Madrid over the summer, and he has impressed for Xavi's side this season, scoring three goals and registering three assists in eight appearances.

Barcelona are expected to push for a permanent move for Felix next summer, with the club said to have been delighted with his form since his arrival.

The attacker scored once and provided one assist in Portugal's 5-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last time out, and Martinez has hailed the La Liga champions for helping Felix 'feel important' again.

"Barcelona have given Felix another dimension. I've not seen many players who can play inside, but also on the wing, and have the capacity to take on players with a good understanding of his teammates," Martinez told reporters. "What I've seen is that Felix feels important at his club."

Barcelona's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on September 3, 2023© Reuters

Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, scoring four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

There was a host of speculation surrounding the forward's future over the summer, with a return to the Premier League thought to be a huge possibility.

However, Felix made it clear that Barcelona were his first choice, and he was able to secure a move to Camp Nou before the end of the transfer window.

The Portuguese has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico, and he has a contract at Wanda Metropolitano until June 2029, but a permanent switch away from the Red and Whites next year is expected to occur.

Portugal's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes on November 23, 2022© Reuters

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has talked-up the prospect of his club signing Felix on a permanent basis, although much will depend on the club's finances.

There have been claims that Atletico would want around €80m (£69m) for the former Benfica youngster, and the capital side are in a strong position to negotiate due to the length of time left on his deal.

Felix has scored once and provided two assists in six La Liga appearances this season, while he has two goals and one assist in two Champions League outings.

The forward is expected to be a part of the Portugal squad at next summer's European Championship, although he faces a battle to be a starter in Martinez's first-choice side due to the strength of the competition in the final third of the field.

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Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Real Betis on September 16, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Villarreal35139135960-148
9Valencia34138133739-247
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
17Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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