Joao Felix’s potential return to Chelsea is a hotly debated transfer, as it raises a critical question: how does he fit into Enzo Maresca’s squad after the club’s recent acquisition of Pedro Neto, Chelsea’s transfer strategy has been puzzling in recent years, marked by an accumulation of players rather than a clear, cohesive plan. Now the arrival of Felix coupled with the earlier arrival of Neto from Wolves for a hefty fee of £54 million highlights this ongoing trend, but it also directly impacts the dynamics of Maresca’s tactical setup.
🚨🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are now discussing João Félix to #CFC as part of Gallagher deal!
Samu Omorodion deal collapsing and the two clubs don’t want Gallagher and Julián Álvarez deals to collapse too…
João Félix, being discussed with Jorge Mendes in London. pic.twitter.com/l3N4axmceS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2024
Maresca, influenced by his mentor Pep Guardiola, favors a possession-based 4-3-3 system that morphs into a 3-2-4-1 during games. This fluid approach is designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking creativity, something Chelsea lacked under previous management. In this setup, full-backs play a crucial role by tucking into midfield during possession, helping dominate the center of the pitch.
Maresca’s 4-3-3 formation
Pedro Neto, a versatile and creative winger, is expected to slot into the left flank of this formation. His ability to beat defenders and create opportunities was evident at Wolves, where he recorded 11 assists in just 20 appearances last season. His role in Maresca’s Chelsea is likely to involve stretching defenses and creating space for the two advanced midfielders, who will push forward to support the attack. This makes Neto a key figure in the team’s offensive strategy, tasked with destabilizing opposition defenses and providing the final pass or cross to unlock tight games.
However, with Neto already earmarked for the left wing, the potential return of Joao Felix complicates matters. Felix, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his previous loan spell at Chelsea, is a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line. Yet, his preferred position on the left flank now seems occupied by Neto, who was brought in for a significant sum with clear intentions of being a starter.
This scenario could force Maresca into a tactical dilemma. While Felix could theoretically operate on the opposite wing or even in a central role, Palmer on the right wing is undroppable and Felix isn’t a great fit in the midfield 3 of a 4-3-3 formation. Maresca might need to consider rotating Felix with Neto leading to more problems in the squad. Whether Felix can find a place in this new-look Chelsea remains to be seen, but his return will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to Maresca’s ongoing squad building issues.
