Teen sensation Felix shines as Atletico blank MLS All-Stars

Portuguese teen sensation Joao Felix came off the bench to score a superb goal Wednesday as Atletico Madrid blanked the Major League Soccer All-Stars 3-0 at rain-soaked Exploria Stadium.

Marcos Llorente, signed from city rivals Real this summer for $42 million, had put the Spanish side ahead in the first half before 19 year-old, $134 million striker Felix scored a brilliant second to decide a match that failed to spark into action, a swathe of changes on both teams contributing to a decidedly low-tempo affair.

Diego Costa’s late third was no more than the visitors deserved.

Los Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was withdrawn after just 30 minutes and despite Wayne Rooney’s best efforts in the first half, it was the La Liga side that was far superior.

“I haven’t seen too much of Joao Felix but... he looks like he has good technique,” Rooney said. “I’m sure he will be a good player for Atletico in the near future.”

The Spanish side spent plenty of money betting Rooney is right.

“Of course it’s a big price to pay for such a young player but that’s the way the market is going now,” Rooney said. “Everyone is spending a lot of money.

“I remember a few years ago, Zinedine Zidane went for over $60 million and everyone was saying ‘What’s going on?’ But that’s the price you have to pay now.”

Atletico manager Diego Simeone refused to single out any of his new players, including Felix.

“I’ve been pleased with all the new signings and the path we are going on during this pre-season,” Simeone said.

Inclement weather in the Orlando area delayed kickoff before a sellout crowd for 40 minutes but the rain failed to dampen an excellent atmosphere for the North American league’s annual exhibition match.

The MLS All-Stars, captained by leading scorer Carlos Vela of LAFC, boasted the likes of DC United’s Rooney, Ibrahimovic and home favorite Nani in their starting line-up.

Rooney, the former Manchester United and England forward, was operating in a deep lying midfield role and saw plenty of the ball in the opening stages without being able to penetrate the Spanish team’s defense.

Atletico created the first real opportunity, Rodrigo Riquelme firing high and wide on 17 minutes following good work from Vitolo, while Rooney saw a brilliantly struck effort from 30 yards whistle just over the bar.

Ibrahimovic, who had barely touched the ball, was withdrawn on 30 minutes, much to the disappointment of the 25,527 spectators who hoped to see the mercurial Swedish superstar in the action.

Atletico’s opening goal on 43 minutes was a superb team effort, Riquelme brilliantly back flicking the ball to Llorente, who drove the ball past Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.

James O’Connor, the Orlando City coach in charge of the All-Stars, completely changed his team at half-time, including withdrawing Rooney and Nani.

It was one of the substitutes, Diego Rossi, who almost equalized when his close-range effort hit the side netting before Nicolas Lodeiro was denied by Atleti keeper Antonio Adan.

On 55 minutes, Simeone shuffled his pack by making seven changes of his own including introducing Felix, who was signed from Benfica this summer, and his superb long range effort in the 84th minute sealed a comprehensive victory.

Costa made it three at the death from close range.

Meanwhile, Rooney stressed that his future remains in MLS amid new suggestions his family are unsettled in Washington and want him to return to England before his current contract expires.

The former England and Manchester United forward bristled when asked about stories circulating in England that wife Coleen has demanded he quits North America when his current DC United contract expires at the end of 2021.

Rooney, in Orlando ahead of MLS All-Star match against Atletico, says he has started work on his coaching badges and admits he wants to follow the likes of new Chelsea coach Frank Lampard and make the transition from player to manager.

The striker signed a three-and-a-half year deal last summer following his move from Everton.

But when asked by AFP if his wife has put down demands for him to quit football for the sake of his family, Rooney snapped: “Is that what was in the media? That my wife has got her own way?

“Those reports are a bit far fetched. I’m concentrating on playing for DC United and trying to get them into the playoffs.

“I haven’t thought about anything beyond that.

“I am a bit tired as I left on Tuesday morning at 4am to come to Orlando but I feel in good shape.”

Agence France-Presse