João Félix was once again Atlético Madrid’s most decisive player on Sunday.
In a 3-1 win away to Real Betis, the Portuguese forward stepped up to the mark to help his side take the three points back to the Spanish capital.
It was the forward’s fifth brace for the club and he looked slightly awkward at being the protagonist at full-time.
João Félix’s double came against a very strong Betis side, who have a Copa del Rey final to look forward to, and his performance was crucial for Atlético on the night.
He is slowly becoming a key man in Diego Simeone’s starting eleven. Confidence is such an important factor for young players with expensive price tags hovering above their heads.
João Félix has started Atlético’s last four games: against Osasuna, Manchester United, Celta Vigo and Betis. The Portugal international needed to have regular game time to get to this current level – to be important from the start and not only used as a substitute.
Simeone had previously preferred to use him as an attacking option off the bench. It happened in important matches at the end of last year against Real Madrid and Sevilla. He came on to give the team an alternative in attack, but it wasn’t enough.
He has since been given a responsible part to play, and although still looking shy when talking about his performance post-match, he will become accustomed to getting all the attention in his leading role for Atlético.
