Graham Potter has been told how Chelsea can help Joao Felix reach the level of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The 23-year-old has arrived at Stamford Bridge on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season, with the Blues expected to pay the Spanish giants around £9million.
Diego Simeone's side did not want to include an option to buy in the contract and, instead, Felix penned an extension which keeps him at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2027. The Portugal international, who had been watched on numerous occasions this season by Chelsea's scouts, is set to be thrown in the deep end with a number of key players out injured.
It remains to be seen whether Felix can feature against Fulham on Thursday night, January 12, as he would have needed to be officially registered as a Premier League player by midday on Wednesday. The club statement from the Blues announcing his switch was published at exactly 12pm, indicating that all the necessary forms and applications had been signed prior.
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Despite this, Potter will be hoping that Felix is ready and raring to go as Chelsea look to climb back into the top-four of the Premier League. While the Blues are out of both the domestic cup competitions, a shot at the Champions League remains on the cards.
In order to go the distance in Europe, the Chelsea boss will need Felix to further fulfil his potential as one of the world's best young players. And, the Portuguese star has already told the Blues what they need to do.
In an interview with TNT Sports, as quoted by Spanish outlet AS, the forward revealed how he can reach the highest level. When quizzed on whether he begin rivalling Mbappe and Haaland on the biggest stage, Felix said: "I can get there [at the level of Mbappé and Haaland].
"I haven’t shown my best yet. In the last few years, I have had injuries and I haven’t had a full year without injuries. When I do get a year without injuries, I will be able to fight for a place there [with Mbappe and Haaland]."
Felix is yet to pick up a notable injury this campaign, though he did miss 13 games last season due to an ankle fracture, muscle strains and covid. The on-loan Chelsea star missed six games due to injury in 2020/21 and 13 in 2019/20.
While the Blues may have their own 'Mbappe' or 'Haaland' on their books, Chelsea haven't boasted the best injury record so far this season. As many as ten players have been out of action at once this term, handing the club a huge wakeup call.
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