Barcelona deadline-day signing tipped for ‘decisive role’ under Xavi by national team boss

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers against Luxembourg tonight, manager Roberto Martinez has backed Joao Felix to have a decisive role at Barcelona this season.

Felix secured a deadline-day loan move to Barcelona, arriving from Atletico Madrid where he had fallen completely out of favour under Diego Simeone.

The 23-year-old was insistent on joining the Catalan giants and snubbed offers from other clubs from Europe and outside to seal a move to Catalonia.

But there have been some doubts as to where Felix can fit in Xavi’s tactical blueprint at Barcelona and whether he will have a prominent role given his underwhelming form over the past year.

Martinez backs Felix to succeed at Barcelona

At the same time, there have also been questions asked of Portugal boss Roberto Martinez for calling Felix up to the squad when he has hardly played this season.

But, the former Belgium manager defended his selection, claiming that it was important for Felix to train with the national team with an eye on the future.

At the same time, he tipped the 23-year-old forward to have a prominent role in Xavi’s Barcelona, saying (h/t Mais Futebol):

“Joao Felix is delighted with the opportunity, he’s a player with a very high level of technical ability, and he fits in perfectly with Barcelona and Xavi’s idea.

“Even if he doesn’t have the competitive rhythm, he’s a player who has to be with us to prepare, not for the next game, but for the next four, he’s important and I think he’ll play a decisive role with Xavi and Barcelona.”

Xavi’s plans for Felix

Joao Felix made his debut for Barcelona last weekend, coming on as a substitute against CA Osasuna at El Sadar.

While his compatriot and fellow deadline-day signing Joao Cancelo is expected to be integrated into the starting XI right away, Xavi plans to be more patient with Felix.

The manager sees the Portuguese international as a good fit on the left flank, from where he can drift into central areas and combine with Robert Lewandowski, leaving space for Alejandro Balde to bomb forward.