Michael Owen has praised Joao Felix, describing him as "an incredible player," and believes Manchester United should have signed the striker before he joined Chelsea.

Michael Owen is a huge admirer of Joao Felix and believes Manchester United should have signed the "incredible" striker before he moved to Chelsea.

Felix joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for £46.3 million, and the 24-year-old has made a strong start to his Stamford Bridge career despite his new team struggling at times.

The versatile striker quickly became Chelsea's first-choice forward ahead of fellow summer signing Nicolas Jackson and scored 20 goals across all competitions.

Being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad hit him hard, and he is hoping to start the new season with renewed confidence after his impressive pre-season and under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea finished 10th last season and will not compete in European competitions this year, giving them the chance to focus entirely on the Premier League in the coming weeks and months.

Owen believes this situation could greatly benefit Maresca's side and backs Chelsea to finish second in the Premier League this season, behind current champions Arsenal.

When asked on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast who is most likely to challenge Arsenal, Owen said: "Chelsea. An incredible player, but what's important is they have no European football - you know how much that mattered for Manchester United last season."

Owen is excited about Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca (Picture: The Good, The Bad & The Football)

Felix scored 20 goals for Chelsea last season (Picture: Getty)

"The manager [Enzo Maresca] did something similar at Leicester with a team nobody expected to do anything in Germany [Bayern Leverkusen]. He brings lots of changes and he brought in some good players."

Owen has high hopes for Chelsea's star-studded attack and believes Manchester United made a mistake by not signing Felix when they had the chance.

The former England, Manchester United and Liverpool striker explained: "I'm a huge fan of Joao Felix. I think he's incredible. Actually, Manchester United should have signed him four years ago when he was at Atletico Madrid."

"Manchester United didn't have a world-class centre-forward for years. I love this Joao Felix."

"With him, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer up front, bringing in Danny Welbeck and Jake Osborn is a bit odd."

While Owen admits there are "questions" about goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, he believes Chelsea could "explode" in Maresca's first season and have a "massive year" ahead.

He added: "There are big questions about the goalkeeper, and I've heard things."

"But I think that team could explode. They have no European football headaches, lots of good players."

"I think Chelsea will have a massive season."

Earlier this month, Brazilian reports claimed Arsenal made a surprise approach to sign Felix from Chelsea before the season began.

Arsenal reportedly offered £86 million, but Chelsea quickly rejected approaches from their rivals.

Felix, regarded as one of Chelsea's "untouchable" players, also attracted strong interest from Barcelona in the past.

The former Flamengo, Atletico Madrid and Benfica player still has seven years remaining on his Chelsea contract.

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