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Joao Félix leaves Vitinha and Joao Neves out of his ideal XI, preferring Pedri and Fernandez

When asked by AS newspaper about his best current XI, Joao Félix surprised by choosing Pedri and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, leaving aside his PSG teammates Vitinha and Joao Neves, who are nonetheless considered among the world's best at their position.

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Joao Félix leaves Vitinha and Joao Neves out of his ideal XI, preferring Pedri and Fernandez
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Joao Félix stirred controversy during Portugal’s international break by excluding Vitinha and Joao Neves from his ideal XI, preferring Spanish midfielder Pedri and Argentine Enzo Fernandez over the two PSG players.

The Al-Nassr forward took part in the exercise proposed by Madrid newspaper AS, which asked him to compose his best team of the moment. In goal, he named Joan Garcia (FC Barcelona). In defence, he lined up three Portuguese players — Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo — alongside Spaniard Pau Cubarsí.

It was in midfield that his choice proved most surprising. While Vitinha and Joao Neves are regularly cited among the world’s best midfielders, Joao Félix preferred Pedri and Enzo Fernandez. The decision was all the more notable given that the two PSG players are his teammates in the national team.

In attack, the 26-year-old opted for Kylian Mbappé on the left, Rayan Cherki at number 10, Lamine Yamal on the right and Harry Kane up front. Cristiano Ronaldo, his club partner at Al-Nassr and international teammate, also failed to make the cut.

These comments came the day after a successful evening for Joao Félix with Portugal: he scored the only goal in the victory over Wales (1-0) in the Nations League, playing in attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

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