Barcelona manager Xavi has said that he sees new signing Joao Felix playing as a striker and a left winger.
Felix joined Barcelona on a deadline day loan from Atletico Madrid and made his debut in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Osasuna, joining an overcrowded forward line pressing for Robert Lewandowski’s late winner.
With Felix expected to start games soon enough, Xavi admitted he could use the 24-year-old anywhere across his attack.
“I see him both as a striker and on the left wing, and also the right,” he told reporterts. “I liked Joao Felix. He has helped. I’d highlight his attitude, which is very important for the team.”
Xavi later added: “He is comfortable going from the wing to the inside. He can play as a 9, on the right, but he is less comfortable there. He is versatile, he will give us alternatives and will help us a lot.”
Barcelona needed a penalty from Lewandowski in the 85th minute to defeat Osasuna and, while Xavi was happy with the outcome, he acknowledged the play could have been better.
“It’s a complicated pitch,” Xavi reflected. “We lacked the ability to plan, and also patience. We have to generate more in attack.
“We worked hard, but we suffered. We earned it and we have taken three very difficult points. We had moments of dominance, but we also suffered a lot. [Osasuna] had stretches where they didn’t stop crossing, dangerous throw-ins… they push a lot, but we got through it.
“We have to improve effectiveness. We have to improve, we have to take a step forward in the game. But the idea is being forged.”