News

What the Italian media are saying about Chelsea loanee Joao Felix after his Champions League display for AC Milan

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea loanee Joao Felix started and played 90 minutes for AC Milan during their Champions League knockout play-off against Feyenoord on Wednesday night.

Italian giants Milan suffered a 1-0 away defeat versus Feyenoord in the first leg, which means they’ve got plenty of work to do in next week’s second leg at the San Siro.

Joao Felix, 25, made his third appearance for Milan since arriving on loan from Chelsea in the winter transfer window. He operated in his favoured No.10 attacking midfield position, too.

Chelsea are planning to sell Felix in the summer once his loan spell ends, so he may have played his last ever game for the Blues.

Feyenoord v AC Milan - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg
Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images

Italian media reacts to Joao Felix’s display vs Feyenoord

The Italian media have been reacting to Felix’s individual performance in Milan’s defeat against Feyenoord.

Tuttomercatoweb gave him a 5.5 rating and wrote: “In a game as ugly as the colour of the third Milan jersey, he tries to get the ball, but when it comes to “hitting” the instrument of the game, sometimes he is a little too light. He closes from the outside in an attempt to create something. But the magic dust does not come out of his boots.”

Meanwhile, Calciomercato rated him a 6/10 and said: “He is definitely the player who is most on form for Milan. He tests the opposing goalkeeper on two occasions, he fights until the end.”

It’s been a busy and fairly positive start for Felix at his new club as he looks to play regularly again. Unfortunately, the attacker was in and out of the side at Stamford Bridge in the first half of the season.

When it comes to the summer, reports suggest that Milan could offer Fikayo Tomori or Rafael Leao to Chelsea in a deal to sign Felix permanently. Let’s wait and see how the next few months play out for the Portugal international.

Feyenoord v AC Milan - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Joao Felix stats vs Feyenoord

Overall, Milan endured a frustrating match against Feyenoord as they fell behind on aggregate in the two-legged contest. The Serie A giants did draw a blank as an attacking force in midweek, but on-loan playmaker Felix did at least provide some form of threat.

Minutes playedTotal shotsShots on targetTouches in opposition boxChances createdAccurate passesMatch rating
90435219/26 (73%)6.8
Joao Felix’s performance vs Feyenoord via FOTMOB

Milan supporters weren’t too impressed by Felix’s Champions League display, but it’s worth highlighting he wasn’t the only one that didn’t reach his best level.

Nobody ever doubts Felix’s individual ability and skill on the football pitch. Can he find the consistency to become a real favourite in Milan, though?