Simeone Demands More From Joao Felix
Diego Simeone has urged newly joined Joao Felix to keep improving after the Portuguese put up a splendid display in his debut for Los Rojiblancos on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid, in their season opener, defeated Getafe 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano, thanks to Alvaro Morata’s 23rd header.
And stealing the show was the new kid on the block, Joao Felix whose solo run won Atleti a penalty after he was fouled in the penalty area, with Morata missing from the spot-kick.
With the highly coveted 19-year-old’s performance attracting a lot of praises, Argentine trainer Diego Simeone has told the youngster to go the extra mile.
"The first league game is not easy. It's complex. We faced a team who tactically moves well defensively. They have not left him space in the first half so that he can take advantage of his game.
"But, as an individual, he showed his power, and hopefully these situations appear more often. He has to keep improving."
Having been signed by Atletico Madrid for £113 as a shocking transfer negotiation to many in the sport, a superb display against Getafe by Felix seems to explain why the Madrid outfit shelled out such whopping amount for his purchase.
Scoring 15 goals for Benfica in the Portuguese top-flight last season, Felix was linked with top European clubs before Atletico Madrid jumped the queue to become the favourites in the bidding war.
Atletico Madrid, bringing in new faces to augment their squad after losing key prospects like Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godwin and Rodri to Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester City respectively, Simeone’s side are considered as the potential winners for the LaLiga title this season.
Beginning the season with a victory at home, Atleti will travel to Estadio Municipal Butarque as they will be hosted by Leganes on August 25.