Barcelona forward receives praise from former Atletico Madrid star: “His quality is indisputable”

Joao Felix has taken to life at FC Barcelona like a fish to water after joining the club on loan from Atletico Madrid.

The 23-year-old had declared his desire to join the Catalans early in the summer window and waited until the deadline day to secure the move.

Having arrived at the club, Joao Felix has wasted no time in showcasing his quality, racking up three goals and three assists each in all competitions.

In a short time, the Atletico Madrid loanee has become a regular in Xavi Hernandez’s starting lineup, sparking talks of a permanent transfer next summer.

Joao Felix has the quality to succeed at Barça

Now, speaking to SPORT, former Atletico Madrid star Diego Ribas has showered some praise on Joao Felix, claiming that he has all the attributes needed to succeed at Barcelona.

“His quality is indisputable and now at Barça he has every chance to succeed. He fits in with the game and has all the characteristics to do well,” Ribas remarked.

Joao Felix’s form comes as a pleasant surprise considering that there was some skepticism surrounding his signing due to his past struggles at Atletico.

Explaining the turnaround in the forward’s situation, Ribas said: “Joao Felix can succeed at Barça. Football is like that, and in Europe, you tend to change teams, coaches, and atmosphere.

“It is normal that in another club he will play better and be more comfortable. That’s what has happened with Joao Félix.”

Vitor Roque a special player, says Ribas

Continuing his chat with SPORT, Diego Ribas also went on to praise Barcelona’s future star, Vitor Roque.

The Catalans signed him in the summer from Athletico Paranaense and are working to incorporate the teenager into the squad in January 2024.

And, Ribas, who faced Roque before retiring earlier this year, spoke highly of his fellow Brazilian ahead of his imminent move to Barcelona, as he said:

“We played against him and he is a great player, he caught my attention. He mixes strength with technique and is a great finisher. I think players like that, who have these characteristics, are special. He is very young and in Brazil, he has played phenomenally.”

When asked if Roque could be the ‘next Ronaldo’, the former Atletico ace replied: “I’ve always been an admirer of Ronaldo Nazario, but it’s very early days, you have to control expectations.

“The football world is looking for a replacement for this very special player, and we have to give him time to see, but he is a very good player.”