Chelsea have finalized the loan acquisition of Portuguese midfielder Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season as Graham Potter begins his January rebuilding.
Joao Felix has completed a loan move to Chelsea (Image: Chelsea FC)
Graham Potter is looking for a spark from his Chelsea team after adding Joao Felix to his attack at Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal international’s arrival was confirmed on Wednesday as he joined the Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season. He becomes the club’s fourth signing of the January transfer window as Potter looks to plot a path up the table and into the top four, which Chelsea currently trail by 10 points.
Following the signing of Felix, who can play behind the striker, as a false nine or out wide, here are three ways Chelsea could now line up.
Option 1 – On the left in a 4-2-3-1
Joao Felix could play on the left wing for his new side
Potter has experimented with several different systems and formations since replacing Thomas Tuchel in the Chelsea dugout earlier this season.
He has had varying results when lining up in a 4-2-3-1 but the formation does allow him to get four attacking players on the pitch at once.
Kai Havertz would likely continue in his false nine role, with Felix deployed on the left of the three playing behind the German. Felix was sparingly used out wide at Atletico but primarily plays on the left wing for Portugal.
Option 2 – False nine in a 4-3-3
Graham Potter may deploy Joao Felix as a false nine
Another formation that can use a false nine is 4-3-3, with Potter preferring to select a midfielder in the role instead of a recognised striker.
The Chelsea boss appears unsure on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Armando Broja has been ruled out for the season, meaning Felix could appear at the top of the pitch in a roaming role.
His arrival will allow Potter to rotate with Havertz as well as playing the former Bayer Leverkusen star in a variety of different roles thanks to his new options.
Option 3 – Behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1
Joao Felix has most often played behind the striker
The most likely home for Felix, though, is behind the striker, where he has played most often during his three-and-a-half years in Madrid.
Although Potter has opted for a three-man defence for a majority of matches, the injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James have made it harder to use formations which utilise the system recently.
When using a 3-4-2-1, as he has often done at Chelsea, Potter can select Felix alongside Mason Mount in his arrow frontline. He will also have a variety of options ahead of the pair too, with Aubameyang’s pace a threat in behind thanks to Felix’s creativity.
source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/
