Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich on a loan deal for the upcoming season.
The Portuguese international had a disappointing spell with the German club last season, and he will look to get his career back on track with regular football at Tottenham now. The 30-year-old needed a fresh start, and a return to the Premier League could be ideal for him.
He has previously played his best football in England with Fulham, and he will look to get back to his best once again.
Thomas Frank on Joao Palhinha
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has outlined the two main qualities that set Palhinha apart from the other Tottenham midfielders and how he could help the London club next season.
The Danish manager explained that Palhinha is excellent when it comes to holding his position in the middle of the park and breaking down opposition attacking moves. He explained how it is vital for a team, especially when they are up against a good counter-attacking opposition or playing away from home.
Tottenham have often been caught napping in such situations, and Frank explained that it is important to have a player who is focused in those situations and is not easily distracted. He also added that the Portuguese midfielder adds a new dimension in both boxes during set pieces.
Why Palhinha could be a key player for Spurs?
Frank said via Football London: “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.”
It will be interesting to see if the 30-year-old can make an instant impact at Tottenham. He has played in the Premier League before, and he knows English football well. He has the physicality and technical attributes to help Tottenham improve.