THE BALL – «João Félix has the potential to win the Golden Ball» (Atlético Madrid)

It was through the hand of Rui Vitória that João Félix made his debut in Benfica’s first team. The Portuguese coach praises the young forward, now at Atlético Madrid, and considers that the next two years will be decisive for the Portuguese international’s career.

«João has a characteristic that is not normal in young people: simplicity and efficiency in the processes. While the others like adornments, he has very assimilated high competition mechanisms: he would receive the ball and shoot. In addition, he has a very high technical capacity and a quick way of thinking to solve problems », he begins by saying in an interview with the newspaper Marca.

Asked what João Félix lacks to be more regular in his performances: «He gained many characteristics that he needed, especially in terms of defensive positioning, he improved a lot. I think he needed to play in a more dominant team to be closer to the opponent’s area. That would make him a better player. In a lower block he can also make a difference, but it costs him more. »

As for Félix, in the future, he will be able to fight for the Ballon d’Or: “I don’t like to make these predictions, but he has the potential to do so. He is an extraordinary player, different, out of the ordinary, but he has to be more regular, get into the game more, score more goals, make assists. The next one, two years will be decisive in his career. »

Praise also goes to Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia) who made his debut in the Champions League with Rui Vitória: «He has a quality that coaches value a lot. He receives the ball and takes off. It has evolved a lot from a tactical point of view and has fantastic physical qualities. It’s explosive and finishes well. However, it can evolve even further.”

Rui Vitória, who at Benfica also worked with players such as Rúben Dias, Renato Sanches or Nélson Semedo, was also invited to project Portugal’s participation in the World Cup: «I am proud to have worked with all these players. Portugal is at the ideal time. There are veteran players with a lot of experience and young players with a lot of quality. In addition, they have a coach (Fernando Santos) who knows the group well and the Federation structure helps. I am confident that we will have a good World Cup.”

As for the debate around the continuity of the captain of the National Team at Manchester United next season: «Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding player. Sometimes we don’t realize the astronomical numbers he has. It will be very difficult for anyone to match him in the next few years. I don’t know if he will continue, but if he stays he will return to the highest level of performance and be the team’s top scorer. It’s simple.”

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