Joao Felix emerges as a surprising contender to fill the striker role for FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is looking for a replacement for the injured Robert Lewandowski. The 35-year-old Polish striker suffered an ankle strain, putting him out for over a month and leaving Barcelona with a major void to fill in the attacking lineup.
According to reports, Xavi is considering on-loan Barcelona player Joao Felix as a possible replacement for Lewandowski. Since joining the team on loan from Atletico Madrid, the 23-year-old Portuguese international has shown his versatility. Felix continues to demonstrate potential while playing largely on the left flank, recording three goals and two assists in seven games.
Although not having Lewandowski’s prolific finishing ability, Xavi is impressed with Felix’s flexibility and sees promise in using him as a center-forward. Felix has already displayed his goal-scoring ability in a central role, scoring 13 goals and giving eight assists in 40 appearances as a striker.
Also, Ferran Torres, Barcelona’s second-highest goal scorer this season, has been lined up to start the upcoming game against Granada. With Raphinha still out with an injury, Xavi will have the option to play Felix on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right.
In the future, after Raphinha is fully recovered, Xavi might think rotating the team or reverting to a four-man midfield. During such tactical changes, Joao Felix could emerge as a viable option to lead the attack, displaying his versatility and adding to Barcelona’s goal-scoring chances.
As Barcelona prepares for crucial games, including the much-anticipated El-Clasico against Real Madrid on October 28, Xavi Hernandez and his coaching team are carefully considering their alternatives to ensure that everything goes according to plan in Lewandowski’s absence. The possible inclusion of Joao Felix adds a fresh dimension to the team’s attacking style, creating great expectation and excitement among fans for the team’s upcoming matches.
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