I really like João Félix, he has the potential to be a top-3 player in the world

Antonio Cassano, former AC Milan forward and now a well-known football pundit, has expressed his strong enthusiasm for João Félix's arrival at the club managed by Sérgio Conceição.

The Portuguese international joins on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, a move that has generated significant discussion in football circles. Cassano, who has never been shy about voicing his opinions, sees immense potential in the 25-year-old attacker and believes that, under the right conditions, he could develop into one of the world’s top players.

Speaking on his Twitch channel Viva El Futbol, Cassano did not hold back in his praise for Félix, stating that he sees him as one of the most exciting signings in recent memory. According to the Italian, the former Benfica wonderkid still has the potential to establish himself as one of the top three left wingers in world football. However, Cassano also pointed out that Félix's career has yet to take off in the way many expected when he made his record-breaking move to Atlético Madrid in 2019 for €127 million.

“The Milan signing that excites me the most, the one who will make us enjoy football, is João Félix,” Cassano declared. “I really like him. When he left Benfica for Atlético Madrid in 2019 for €127 million, I thought the price was excessive, but when I see him play, when I watch how he moves, how he executes one-twos it’s something special. It’s true that he lacks consistency, but when you watch him live in a stadium and he pulls off those moments of brilliance, I really enjoy it."

Félix's career so far has been a mix of highs and frustrations. After making a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents at Benfica, his move to Atlético Madrid was seen as the beginning of a new era for the Spanish club. However, under Diego Simeone, Félix often struggled to fit into the rigid tactical structure of Atlético’s system. His playing style, which is based on technical flair, creativity, and improvisation, clashed with the more disciplined and defensively oriented approach favored by Simeone. As a result, he never fully settled into the side and often found himself in and out of the starting lineup.

His loan spell at Chelsea last season was another mixed experience. While he showed flashes of his undeniable quality, his impact was limited, and the team’s overall struggles in the Premier League meant that he was unable to fully showcase his potential. At Barcelona, where he moved on loan at the start of this season, he has had moments of brilliance but has also faced criticism for inconsistency and a perceived lack of intensity in certain matches.

Cassano believes that much of Félix’s struggles come down to his surroundings rather than his own ability. He emphasized the importance of the right coaching environment, stating that João Félix still needs to find a coach who will truly unlock his talent.

“For me, he has the potential to be a top-three left winger in the world, right behind Vinícius [Júnior] and Rodrygo,” Cassano continued. “João Félix excites me a lot. My impression is that he still needs to find the right coach, someone who lets him play with a bit more freedom. If he can develop the right chemistry with his coach, he will be something truly special.”

The mention of freedom is key in Cassano’s analysis. Unlike structured and disciplined tactical systems that limit individual expression, Félix thrives in environments where he is allowed to roam, dictate play, and express his natural flair. While some critics argue that he needs to adapt to different styles of play, Cassano maintains that the right team setup can allow Félix to become the player many expected him to be when he first burst onto the scene.

His loan move to AC Milan could present a new opportunity. Under Sérgio Conceição, Félix might finally get the role that suits him best, allowing him to take more risks in the final third and become a decisive player. If Conceição gives him the trust and positional freedom he needs, there is a strong possibility that Félix will rediscover his best form.

For Milan, securing Félix on loan is a strategic move. With the club looking to strengthen its attacking options, his technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring instincts could provide an extra dimension to the team’s play. Additionally, a strong performance in Serie A could reignite Félix’s career and potentially put him back in the spotlight as one of Europe’s elite attacking players.

Cassano’s comments reflect a widely held sentiment among those who have followed Félix’s career closely. The talent has always been evident, but the right circumstances have not yet aligned for him to fully flourish. If AC Milan can offer him the right platform, this could be the turning point in his career a chance to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself among the best in the world.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on João Félix to see whether he can seize this opportunity and finally fulfill the enormous potential that has been recognized since his early days at Benfica. If Cassano’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, Milan fans have plenty to look forward to.