Rafael Leao is Rafael Leao, with his strengths and weaknesses. Christian Pulisic is the most solid and consistent of them all. Santiago Gimenez is the new striker with a knack for scoring. But the one who, perhaps, can truly transform Milan from one state to another is Joao Felix.
The former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid player possesses the right characteristics to make Milan’s play less predictable, moving between the lines and allowing the wingers to engage in one-on-one duels.
With him on the field, Conceiçao can fully implement his football principles, opting for a 4-4-2 system with the Portuguese operating as a second striker behind the Mexican. Before Joao Felix's arrival, this wasn’t possible. Or rather, it was feasible, but not with the level of talent Joao brings, something that could make a significant difference.
Joao Felix must score more goals with Milan:
In his first two appearances for the Rossoneri, Joao Felix has already showcased much of what he can offer to Conceiçao. Against Roma, on his debut in the new colours, he made the most of the spaces left by the Giallorossi, who were trailing by a goal. He moved across the entire attacking front, seeking the ball and quick exchanges with his teammates.
His goal, moreover, was a perfect illustration of what the 4-4-2 can produce: Gimenez acted as a pivot, shielding the ball and setting up Joao Felix’s run into the box, where he delicately chipped the ball over the advancing Svilar. A striker assisting a second striker—pure 4-4-2 football.
In his Serie A debut, Joao Felix moved in similar areas as he did against Roma but encountered a very different scenario. While the Giallorossi were forced to attack and left gaps, Empoli took a much more defensive stance. Still, the match reflected a Joao Felix who was highly involved in Milan’s buildup.
He sought the ball all over the pitch at the "Castellani," perhaps even touching it a bit too often in the first half. But the feeling was clear: with every possession, something dangerous could emerge from Joao Felix’s feet, explains Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper in today's print edition.
He also displayed his flair with several elegant touches, showcasing his graceful talent. However, there’s a fine line between finesse and excessive showmanship, and that’s where Conceiçao must intervene, ensuring that the elegant playmaker also brings effectiveness and substance to a team that desperately needs to win games.
Some signs of this evolution were already evident against Empoli. When Tomori was sent off, Conceiçao chose not to sacrifice his attacking players, keeping Joao Felix on the pitch despite the numerical disadvantage.
To make it work, he asked for an extra effort from the Portuguese—playing not just as a second striker but also dropping deeper to contribute more defensively. Joao Felix accepted the challenge and handled it well. Clearly, it’s not his natural strength, but his willingness is a crucial step toward fully integrating into a new environment.
If he can add this work ethic to his immense technical ability, Joao Felix could truly change Milan in a dramatic way, sooner rather than later.
