Thomas Frank has admitted that he is delighted at Joao Palhinha’s Tottenham arrival and has explained why he was especially keen to land the midfielder.
Several defensive midfielders have been linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, but it is the Portugal international who the Lilywhites have opted to sign.
The 30-year-old arrives in North London on a season-long loan deal, with the club having the option to make it permanent next summer for £26m.
It has been widely reported that Thomas Frank is a big fan of Palhinha, and the Spurs head coach has now explained why he was so keen to bring the Portugal international on board.
Thomas Frank claims Tottenham lacked a player of Joao Palhinha’s profile
The Tottenham boss has pointed out that among his various midfield options, there is no out-and-out destroyer like Palhinha.
The Dane insisted that the former Fulham man’s ability to stop counterattacks and win back possession will come in very handy for his side, especially away from home.
When asked why Tottenham Hotspur signed Palhinha, he told Football.London: “It was always his abilities, and if you look at the squad, I don’t think we have his ability or package as a clear number six with his profile.
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“I actually think Rodri (Bentancur) can play there as well, but I think they could complement each other well in there if, for example, it is those two or also other players. I think Pape (Sarr) is extremely promising. We have Bissouma and Bergvall as well.
“But [Palhinha’s] defensive qualities, his ability to be in the centre of the pitch, very disciplined, his distribution, short, diagonals, [passes] in behind and then his ability to break up play. Especially if you are playing away from home or against good counter-attacking teams.
“It’s very important to have one that, you know, is not running away or gets attracted to something. His set-piece ability in both boxes is a key thing, and he has some experience, which is good.”
Frank admits he hated coming up against Palhinha
The 51-year-old revealed that he identified early in his Tottenham tenure that signing a number six was a priority this summer.
Frank also confessed that Palhinha was always a handful to deal with when his Brentford side came up against Fulham in the past.
The Spurs head coach added: “When I came in and assessed the squad, it was an area where I thought we could need something there. I know the squad and I know the team and I have watched extra [games] before I went in but it’s always different when you then walk in and you feel [the players], you touch them, you work with them, and I watch intense video with my eyes and the way I want things to go.
“Then I learned a bit more that he would be a very good addition. He played in the Premier League for two years so I followed him closely and remember the battles we had with him [at Brentford]. He was so annoying to play against so that is a good quality!”