Roy Keane has stated that he has been a ‘big critic’ of Arsenal transfer target Joao Felix, even though he feels the Portugal star is a ‘talented boy’.
The 23-year-old started for Portugal during their World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday and Keane thinks, in general, the player needs to ‘do a lot more’ in his career, as he told ITV Sport – Felix got on the scoresheet, alongside his Portugal teammate and now-free-agent, Cristiano Ronaldo.
For a teenager to be securing a high-profile transfer is big enough, but to move for £100 million+ is a different kind of pressure which Felix hasn’t been able to knock off.
What also hasn’t helped is that the versatile forward, who is probably better suited to playing like a false nine, where he can drop deep, knit play together, open space for his teammates and carry the ball forward, is that he has been playing in a very defensive Diego Simeone system.
That style of play, which is robust, deep and not aggressive enough in terms of attacking play, doesn’t help Felix’s cause, as Keane shared his thoughts on the player.
“We are seeing Felix play today,” said Keane. “I have been a big critic of his.
“That’s the biggest challenge for any player. For all his talent, we mentioned Messi earlier and Ronaldo. What he has to do is do it week in and week out.
“We talk about systems, managers and clubs. That has to come from within the player. Do it week in and week out. It’s the sign of greatness. He is a talented boy. He needs to do it a lot more.”
FELIX SUITED TO ARSENAL
Gabriel Jesus is singing and dancing in that forward line for Arsenal, after he secured a summer transfer to the current Premier League leaders.
Felix is of a taller stature than Jesus, but just like the Brazil international, he can drop into those pockets and cause havoc in the final third just with his movement.
There is interest from Arsenal for the player, but money in excess of £100 million is being talked about the player, which would prove to be a big put-off for those keen to take him on board.
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