Joao Felix's 'dream' is coming true! Barcelona proving perfect for Portuguese playmaker to rebuild his career

The Atletico Madrid loanee pushed for a move to Catalunya all summer long, and he couldn't have asked for a better start to life with the Blaugrana

The stats speak for themselves. Robert Lewandowski spent the first four games of Barcelona's campaign on an island. He was, by his standard, starved of chances, forced to move into the wrong areas. Lewandowski did not get the ball enough, so Lewandowski could not do Lewandowski things.

But last Sunday, that changed. Lewandowski, who was involved in three of Barca's five goals against Real Betis,had a partner in the final third, a buzzing creative presence that offered everything he needed. That player, once the second-most expensive teenager in the world, and subsequent Chelsea reject, was Joao Felix. He has wanted a Barcelona move for some time now, having admitted in July that Barca would be his «dream» destination were to get his wish and leave Atletico Madrid.

How, exactly, it would all work, though, was up for debate. Barcelona were a rather rigid side last year, and didn't seem to have room for a mercurial attacking talent, a player who has historically had limited interest in concepts of 'defending' and 'off-ball work.' On Sunday, though, Felix ran the show as the Blaugrana battered Betis, scoring once and orchestrating a rampant attack.

He was at it again on Tuesday, too, getting on the scoresheet twice and assisting Lewandowski yet again, pulling the strings in a performance against Antwerp that suggested Barca's Champions League blues might just fade this year.

These may be early days, and the opponents may have rolled over, but this «dream» transfer might just be a stroke of magic for both parties.