Hugo Felix says he studies his brother Joao Felix’s game and regularly watches Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo as he develops in his preferred attacking role.
Speaking to A Bola, the midfielder said he feels most effective behind the centre-forward, where he can influence matches either by finishing moves or creating chances for others.
“I feel most comfortable behind the centre-forward, in the attacking midfielder position,” Hugo Felix said. “That is where I feel most dangerous, whether I am finishing an attack with a shot or providing an assist.”
The 10 can also operate on either flank because of the freedom the position gives him, but said he would choose the role of attacking midfielder or second striker if restricted to one position.
Asked which players he studies in that area, Felix named his brother first, while also highlighting Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and former Colombia striker Radamel Falcao.
“Of course, now it is Joao,” he said. “I also used to really like De Bruyne in this position. When I was younger, I often played as a centre-forward and Falcao was my idol.”
Felix said Joao’s responsibilities and style provide the greatest source of learning for him, particularly because few players can perform the same duties in modern football.
“Now I learn more from my brother because his role is very important, and in today’s football, few people can do what he does in that area,” he added.
He also watches Barcelona, where Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo operate in similar positions.
“There are many world-class players who play in this position; I could list quite a few,” Felix said.
The interview also revisited an idea created during New Year’s Eve last year at CD Tondela. According to Felix, Seitiil designed a midfield made up of “a glass of large-bore wine” for the number six and two glasses of champagne for the number eights and number 10s.
Felix, Rony Lopes and Seitiil were attending the gathering with their partners, and said they immediately approved the suggested formation.
The friendship was formed at CD Tondela, although Felix declined to identify his closest friends in football individually.
“I don’t want to list them one by one for fear of leaving someone out and causing trouble,” he said. “They all know who they are, and that’s the most important thing, so I’d rather not name names to avoid confusion.”
Of the players he has trained with, Felix selected Angel Di Maria as the strongest. He also singled out Matias de Amorim, a member of the Portugal U21 national team, as a player with significant untapped potential.
Felix said Amorim had already impressed him before they worked together, but made an even greater impact during training. He believes the midfielder can reach “a very high level”.
