The Rise of 2019 Golden Boy Award Winner: João Félix Sequeira

 The Rise of 2019 Golden Boy Award Winner: João Félix Sequeira

With 20 goals and 11 assists in all competitions in his breakout season at Sporting Club de Benfica in the 2018/2019 season, the footballing world was put on alert for its newest superstar, João Félix Sequeira. Atlético Madrid won the race for his signature and it came with a heavy price tag, one that would generate tremendous expectations and require consistent, brilliant performances. João signed for a fee of 126 million Euros, to fill the void left by the former talisman, Barcelona-bound Antoine Griezmann. The similarities with Griezmann can be easily noticed as they both excel when given freedom to link up between the lines of the attackers and midfielders. However, straying from comparisons, João is a creative genius that has an eye for a pass, has the ability to get into goal scoring positions, the gift of unpredictability and is capable of working hard on and off the ball. The dribbling exhibited by the Portuguese shows his prowess in lighting quick decision making and almost perfect execution of his movements, certainly an eye catcher. 

 




After a hugely impressive pre-season in the 2019/2020 campaign, he seemed destined for greatness. However, his first season at Atlético was more of a transition period and he seemed somewhat of a misfit for Diego Simeone’s style of football, which prioritized the physical and more defensive side of the game and limited his creative abilities. With 9 goals and 3 assists amassed in 36 games throughout all competitions, narratives circulated that he was overpriced, overhyped, needed a different team and even rumours of a return to the Portuguese league. 

However, the 2020/2021 season has seen a much-improved Atlético, with João at the heart of the attack as Diego Simeone has finally allowed him to operate in his favourite position, i.e. just behind the striker. The signing of Luis Suárez has granted the Portuguese more freedom as Suárez draws defenders and provides brilliant link up play while the renowned Marcos Llorente along with Koke and Saúl Ñíguez provide continuous movement and support from midfield to allow Félix to drop deep and transition to attacks with fluency. This freedom afforded to the Portuguese has resulted in his stunning start in the current season with eight (8) goals and three (3) assists in just fourteen  (14) games in all competitions, almost matching his previous season’s goal tally. His input has been a major factor in Atlético being just one (1) point behind La Liga leaders - Real Sociedad, despite having two (2) games in hand. Maestro. 

The brilliant start to the season has removed all doubts surrounding João Félix’s quality as a he has been arguably one of the best players in La Liga this campaign, which has only just begun. A joy to watch, a magician, an artist. The Portuguese genius has been unleashed and the season has a long way to go. Surely his genius must be appreciated for the level he has attained and as he continues to realize his potential and beyond. 

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