Joao Palhinha has been selected on Tottenham Hotspur’s bench for the first two matches in Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure.
The on-loan Portuguese midfielder has often been called upon this campaign by both Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank.
Palhinha has started 19 of the 33 Premier League games Tottenham have played, showcasing the trust his previous head coaches have had in him. He was a favourite under Frank, who started him in 16 of 24 games in which he was available.
But De Zerbi has not shown the same level of trust in the early stages of his Spurs tenure, who is looking to head in a different tactical direction.
Now, it remains hard to see where his future lies after his performance in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.
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Joao Palhinha made little impact after coming on for Tottenham vs Brighton
After coming on for the final 23 minutes of the game against Brighton, De Zerbi would have been looking for Palhinha to become a midfield general.
Then, when Spurs went 2-1 up, he would have looked to the 30-year-old to mop up and react to any danger thrown the Lilywhites’ way.
However, he barely got involved in the match. Palhinha made just five passes, took only eight touches and made zero defensive contributions after coming on.
The Portugal international did not make a single tackle, make one interception or perform one clearance.
Palhinha did not have the legs required to make an impact for Tottenham, and it makes it hard to see where he fits into De Zerbi’s plans, if he fits at all.
The Italian is not blameless either, as the decision to bring Palhinha on should be questioned. As Brighton pushed on, it was clear Tottenham needed energy and not physicality in the middle of the pitch.
Lucas Bergvall return is timely for Tottenham
In the opposite vein of Palhinha, Bergvall proved to be the type of midfielder Tottenham needs at the moment as he won the ball back for Tottenham’s second goal.
The Swedish international pressed relentlessly against the Brighton defence, forcing Jan Paul van Hecke into a mistake.
His energy was the definitive aspect behind the creation of the goal, and Xavi Simons’ finish was sublime as well.
Overall, his 14-minute performance had much more affect than Palhinha has had over his last two appearances for Spurs.
It may signal the end of his short spell in N17, as he does not look like a player De Zerbi can rely on. Tottenham may already be looking for a Palhinha alternative.
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