After a late move to Italy, a blockbuster Joao Felix debut awaits, as AC Milan get ready to face AS Roma.
The Portuguese star secured a loan move to Milan from Chelsea on deadline day. Now, all eyes are on his potential debut against Roma in the Coppa Italia. Let's delve deeper below.
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What number will Felix wear for Milan?
During his first spell at Chelsea, the 25-year-old donned the number 11 shirt and after joining the Blues on a permanent basis last summer, he was handed the number 14 shirt.
According to Matteo Moretto of Relevo, the 25-year-old will wear the number 79 in Milan.
Interestingly, he wore the same number when he made his breakthrough for SL Benfica and raised eyebrows across Europe with his exploits and immense potential. He requested the same number at Atletico Madrid but was handed the iconic seven instead.
The Milan shirt number 79 was last worn by Franck Kessie, who departed San Siro in 2022.
Who will Felix play alongside on his Milan debut?
Felix has drawn comparisons to Milan legend Kaka since his early days at Benfica, owing to his languid playmaker style. Now that he is at Milan, the suggestions are only going to intensify, despite his failure to replicate Kaka's impact on the pitch at Atletico and Chelsea.
The attacking midfielder thrives as a number 10 and has mostly played in central zones under Enzo Maresca. Fortunately for him, Sergio Conceicao also uses a system that features the number 10.
Expect him to play behind the new striker signing Santiago Gimenez in Conceicao's 4-2-3-1 formation. Whether or not he gets the chance to play alongside the Mexican on Wednesday remains to be seen, but there is rich potential within the partnership. Gimenez was a highly sought-after person of interest in January, so this is a big coup for Conceicao.
Felix Milan debut to end in victory?
It's a race against time for Felix to make his debut against Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, 5 February.
With less than 36 hours to go, it is tough to see the Portugal international start in the crucial cup clash. However, an appearance off the bench can't be ruled out at this stage.
Milan are winless in their last three encounters with Roma. Accordingly, they would hope for new arrivals Felix and Gimenez to make a difference and help the side progress into the next round of the Coppa Italia.
