Saul criticizes Joao Felix's work ethic, according to previous teammate's statement.
In a surprising turn of events, João Félix, the Portuguese footballer who once graced the pitch at Benfica, has taken a step away from Europe's elite leagues and joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. This move, according to recent developments, could be an attempt to reset and rebuild his career, as questions about his work ethic and effort have overshadowed his technical qualities in the past.
Félix, who joined Atlético Madrid in 2019 for a club-record €127 million, struggled to justify his price tag over 131 appearances. His inconsistent performances led to frequent loans, first to Chelsea and then to Barcelona, followed by a short loan spell at AC Milan. Despite making his move to Chelsea permanent in 2024, his performances remained underwhelming, with AC Milan declining to make his loan permanent.
One of Félix's former teammates at Atlético Madrid, Saul Ñíguez, has been vocal about his concerns. Ñíguez referenced a quote by Paco Jemez, stating that talent without effort isn't anything. He believes that Félix's failure to fully succeed at top clubs is due to a lack of effort and commitment in training and matches. Ñíguez emphasised that despite Félix’s undeniable talent, success at the highest level requires strong work ethic, stating, "as good as you are, if you don't work, it isn't enough."
Félix started only 73 of his 126 LaLiga games for Atletico and Barcelona, where he spent the 2023-24 season on loan. His form began to dip at Atlético Madrid, scoring just 32 league goals and providing 16 assists during his time there. His performances at Chelsea were also lacklustre, starting just 11 times in his 22 outings for the club in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has expressed concerns about Félix's current training condition, as he has only had three training sessions with the team. However, Jesus is confident that João Felix will rediscover the form he showcased during his time at Benfica.
Football is a team sport, according to Ñíguez, and he believes that many tried to help Félix. However, it depended on Félix's willingness. The move to Al-Nassr could provide Félix with a fresh opportunity to prove his critics wrong and rebuild his career away from the intense scrutiny of Europe's biggest leagues.
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- Despite his move to the Saudi Pro League, João Félix's struggles with work ethic and performances have followed him, as highlighted by former teammate Saul Ñíguez during their time at Atlético Madrid.
- Despite joining European giants such as Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan, João Félix's inconsistency and questions about his effort have been a consistent theme throughout his career, casting doubt on his potential in European leagues.
- Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has acknowledged João Félix's current condition, but expresses optimism that the Portuguese footballer can rediscover the form he displayed at Benfica, potentially proving his critics wrong in the less scrutinized environment of the Saudi Pro League.
