Joao Felix has transformed Atletico Madrid career since Diego Simeone "problem" criticism

Joao Felix heads into Atletico Madrid 's Champions League quarter-final clash with Manchester City full of confidence.

The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in his last eight games, reminding manager Diego Simeone why Los Rojiblancos forked out a club-record £113million to sign him from Benfica in 2019. While Felix has helped Atletico to a La Liga title during his two-and-a-half years in the Spanish capital, the Portuguese has struggled to make himself a permanent fixture of Simeone's side, and been linked with a move away in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Felix's frustration boiled even over in February, with the youngster ominously telling The Athletic : "I think we all know what the problem is [with the team], I don't want to say though." Probed to disclose what that issue was during a news conference soon after, Simeone fired back. "About what Joao said, you can ask him," the 51-year-old replied. "I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know."

Those comments came amid a torrid run for the Spanish champions, recording just two wins from 10 games to put their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League in jeopardy. Since then, though, Felix has powered Atletico to six successive La Liga victories and the quarter-finals of Europe's premier competition.

In those eight games, including a two-legged tie with Manchester United, the second-striker has racked up a total of nine direct goal contributions. Over the international break, Felix featured in both of Portugal 's matches and helped Fernando Santos and co qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs.

Upon his return to Madrid last Saturday, the ex-Benfica starlet bagged a brace in a 4-1