Joao Felix passes his audition and turns heads against Man Utd ahead of summer transfer window

One of the great delights in football is watching a single individual light up a game. Even if it’s an opposing player, seeing a player take total command of a game and pull the strings can be a joy to behold.

Joao Felix did just that in Man United’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. Now that’s not to say that Felix alone was the standout player for Diego Simeone’s side because many Atleti players stood out (Geoffrey Kondogbia and Renan Lodi, to name two others), but it was Felix who you felt was making things happen.

Playing slightly behind Angel Correa in Simeone’s 3-5-2 system, Felix was operating as a second striker, linking the play between the midfield and attack. At times, he would drop deep and seek the ball, which caused issues for United, as no one was tracking Felix, with Fred and Paul Pogba in the double pivot looking increasingly bemused and lacking communication on who should be picking him up.

Goal aside, Felix probed and prodded at United's defence throughout the game, clearly relishing his position and his new-found confidence in what has been a tricky period for the player.

Many even felt that Felix would leave in January.

The marriage between Simeone and Felix hasn't always been idyllic. Felix recently commented to The Athletic regarding the reigning La Liga Champions dip in form this season.

"I don't know. There are a lot of reasons, and I can't tell you one," Felix said. "We know what is happening, but I prefer not to talk about that."

Simeone, in his usual no-nonsense manner, replied to Felix's remark, saying:

"About what Joao said, you can ask him," Simeone said. "'I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know."

Felix's move to Atleti hasn't been what