Why Chelsea fans are mounting pressure on Joao Felix to be named in the starting line up......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Chelsea fans want head coach Enzo Maresca to include Joao Felix into the starting lineup for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash with Brighton after the Portuguese starred in the 5-0 Carabao Cup win against Barrow on Tuesday.
The Blues made light work of the League two minnows, with Christopher Nkunkun grabbing the headlines for notching a hattrick. Summer signing Pedro Neto also found the back of the net while Paul Farman scored an own goal.
Felix who is yet to start a Premier League match this season after trading Atletico Madrid for the London side last season, set up Nkunku’s opening goal with a delightful through ball. His 25-yard freekick hit the post before rebounding into the net via Barrow goalkeeper Farman’s back.
His all-round performances made Chelsea supporters let their feelings known to the coach as pressure mounts on Maresca to include the dazzling attacker into the first 11 going forward. Felix has seen limited playing time in a Blues jersey amidst the fierce competition in attacking positions.
The two-time Champions League winners have Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Michail Murdyk in their ranks, making it a monumental task for the tactician to pick his best team.
“Bench whoever we have to play Felix. Doesn’t matter who, he can’t be on the bench EVER,” one fan tweeted.
“When Joao hits the ball, you know the end result,” another added.
“I can’t believe this is our team B,” wrote one fan reacting to Felix assisting Nkunku in the eighth minute.
Chelsea have found their footing under coach Maresca after winning their last three matches in a row in typical champions style without conceding a goal. Prior to their latest victory, Chelsea ground out a 1-0 victory against a stubborn Bournemouth side. Last weekend, the new-look team hammered West Ham 3-0 with Nicholas Jackson and Cole Palmer handing the Blues maximum points at the London Stadium.
Felix has had a mixed career so far with his performance at Atletico Madrid coming under scrutiny. Once heralded as one of the best young players in the world, the 24-year-old is yet to live up to the expectations.
Felix impressed during his six-month loan spell at Chelsea in the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. He scored on his debut as a substitute in the 6-2 mauling of Wolvehampton Wanderers in matchday two.