Gary Neville says Aston Villa and Tottenham transfer target Joao Felix has ‘real quality’ after his recent showing for Portugal at the Qatar World Cup.
The Manchester United legend pointed out how it’s never worked out for him in the colours of Atletico Madrid – and he is now set to leave.
Portugal knocked Switzerland out of the World Cup by smashing them for six, with Felix bagging himself two assists on a night to remember for the Euro 2016 winners.
Whilst the 23-year-old dances on football’s biggest stage, surprise transfer rumours emerged that Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are leading the race for the player’s signature.
But Villa aren’t the only ones trying to sign the playmaker, with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham also getting a mention for the former Benfica star, as Gary Neville spoke highly about the player to ITV Sport.
“A massive price-tag a good few years ago now going to Atletico Madrid and it’s just never really happened for him,” said Neville.
“You are thinking ‘what type of player is he?’. Where is his best position? Is he a midfield player? Is he a wide player?
“You see him against Switzerland and he is at his absolute best. He delivers with real quality, he’s feeding passes in and he’s linking play and looking over his shoulder. It’s fantastic.”
FELIX SHOULD BE PLAYING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL
When Felix decided to join Atletico Madrid for a £113 million fee (BBC Sport), it raised eyebrows because this was a player that just didn’t suit Diego Simeone’s system.
The Spanish giants spend more time without the ball and in their defensive shape than they do with it.
And given that Felix is someone who will only sing and dance when on the ball, then it was a baffling call from the then-19-year-old.
Whatever Felix’s next move is, his qualities deserve Champions League football, that’s why if Emery somehow manages to lure him to Aston Villa, then it would be an unbelievable signing.
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