National media hail 'stroke of magic' by former Chelsea star in first international game since leaving Blues
A vast amount of internationals left Chelsea over the summer transfer window, and one in particular will have left them wondering if they made a mistake getting rid of him.
Enzo Maresca will have been thankful to see a number of players who were not in his plans move on, as he looks to continue to mould his squad in the way he would like.
Noni Madueke was perhaps a departure which caught some by surprise, and he praised Reece James after featuring alongside him for the first time since departing during England’s win over Andorra.
One player who it was not as surprising to see leave was Joao Felix, although the Blues will have been delighted with the transfer fee they received for the attacker.
Former Chelsea star Joao Felix stars on international duty
Felix has got off to a good start in Saudi Arabia, and continued this form when handed the start for Portugal against Armenia.
The attacker scored twice in a 5-0 win, and on an emotional night where they honoured Diogo Jota, A Bola praised Felix for his performance.
They said: “Fate would have it that he would be the second player to shine brightly whose name began with a j, that letter that was Diogo’s trademark. Torga wrote: ‘Fate decides, the rest is up to me.’ Fate took him to Saudi Arabia, where Portugal’s five goals came from, and his was breathtaking: a header and another with a backheel, in a stroke of magic.”
Pedro Neto had also started for Portugal, and picked up a sensational assist during the game, as his very positive start to the season continues.
Felix has point to prove to Chelsea
Felix was not named in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad despite his time on loan at AC Milan already being done, and them not interested in a permanent deal for the Portuguese star.
After two unsuccessful spells at Stamford Bridge, he now has a point to prove in Saudi Arabia, something which he has begun in the best possible way.
Felix was Al-Nassr’s hero in a major cup match recently, and he has turned his great club form to being handed starts for the international side.
There will not yet be any regrets on Chelsea’s end about the deal, however if he continues in this way there will be questions as to why he wasn’t able to replicate any of this in West London.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/X3itywE
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