João Félix's signing for Chelsea was expected to be a new chapter in the Portuguese player's career, but the reality has been much more challenging than anticipated. Enzo Maresca, the manager of the London club, has relegated Félix to the bench in most Premier League matches, even in key games like the recent defeat against Liverpool. 

The competition in Chelsea's attack is fierce, and Cole Palmer has established himself as Maresca’s main option, leaving Félix with little room to shine. Despite the quality of the former Atlético de Madrid player, his profile doesn’t seem to fit into the Italian manager’s system. Palmer, who has been a key part of the Blues' setup, has dominated the minutes, even when his performance has not been outstanding. Meanwhile, Félix watches from the bench without the chance to showcase his talent.

João Félix's opportunities are limited to secondary tournaments, such as the Carabao Cup and the Conference League, where he has managed to shine at times. His performances in these competitions have been more convincing, including a goal against Barrow and a standout showing against Gent. However, these performances have not been enough to earn Maresca's trust in the Premier League, where the Portuguese remains a last-resort option. 

The situation in London is not much different from what he has experienced with the Portuguese national team, where he has also lost prominence. Under the management of Roberto Martínez, Félix has seen other players surpass him in the pecking order, relegating him to a secondary role. He played just three minutes in the recent draw against Scotland, a sign that his status within the team is uncertain, much like it is at Chelsea.

Félix's next challenge will be to prove that he can still be a decisive player, both in England and in Europe. But to do so, he needs more than minutes in secondary competitions: he requires a leading role in the Premier League. Otherwise, his return to Stamford Bridge could be remembered more as a misstep than a revival.