Manchester City attempted to sign Harry Kane for a reason last summer. The Tottenham Hotspur striker is one of the finest goalscorers around but crucially, he's equally capable when dropping into midfield and linking with others.
The passing game of the England captain is remarkable considering his role as a striker. Pep Guardiola wanted to bring his goals to the Etihad, but he also appreciated his suitability to his current system, which is packed full of technicians who are comfortable in possession.
A move for Kane failed to transpire in the end and Erling Haaland is now the favourite to arrive in the summer, but one of City 's upcoming opponents could act as a further option for the Manchester club to explore. On Tuesday evening, Guardiola's outfit will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Joao Felix will lead Diego Simeone's attack. The Portuguese forward is one of the few across Europe who could realistically operate as a striker for City without Guardiola having to change much about his current strikerless system.
Still just 22 years old, Felix has a very modern skillset and he's accustomed to performing as a striker and as a no.10. Simeone tends to favour a front two, and Felix is typically deployed as one of those players, scoring eight non-penalty goals in La Liga this season while also registering four assists.
He found the net twice against Alaves at the weekend, but is it his stylistic nature which associates him with City. He's technical and graceful when in possession, operating as a connector by guiding counter-attacks and allowing his teammates to benefit from his awareness, speed of thought and technical ability in tight spaces.
Felix is naturally inclined to behave like Roberto Firmino or Kai Havertz by playing up front but offering plenty of support in the middle of the park. His is relatively unique, but the big problem is his contract, as his current deal isn't due to expire until 2026.
Atleti would have plenty of power at the negotiating table if City were to explore his signature, especially considering the Spanish club bought him for over £100m in 2019. For that reason, he would be difficult to acquire this summer, but his suitability to the squad void is obvious and that could become apparent to Guardiola on Tuesday night.
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