Kieran Trippier has labelled Newcastle transfer target, Joao Felix, as a ‘very special’ player, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
Atletico Madrid recorded a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Felix opening the scoring with a bullet header.
The 22-year-old’s goal has provided his side with a chance of progressing through to the next round ahead of their second-leg showdown at Old Trafford.
Trippier watched Felix up close and personal during his days in Madrid, as he lauded the Newcastle-linked star and his Champions League performance.
“Joao is very special,” said Trippier. “He is a very special player. He has had a difficult time at Atletico, but when he has performed, he has done.
“To be fair, he is quite good in the air. When I played with him, the way he attacks the ball. Many people won’t see that in his game, but he is very good in the air.
“He has changed his physique compared to when he first arrived and his energy levels as well. He is much fitter than when he first arrived.
“Joao has got all the ability in the world to be a world-class player, but if he’s not doing the things the manager demands in training, then he’s not going to play – after his performance tonight, hopefully, he gets more games starting.”
There have been suggestions, from Spanish publication AS, that Felix is seemingly tempted by a Newcastle transfer.
At the age of 19, when you are signed up for a fee of £113 million (BBC Sport), it’s going to hit the headlines and put serious pressure on your shoulders.
Felix has had to deal with that, but his twinkle-toes haven’t matched the dreams he would have wanted to fulfil during these past few years.
But he has plenty of years left in the tank and there’s no reason why he can’t become a top, top player down the line.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
