They say you should not fall in love with a loan player.
Too late. I am already head over heels for Joao Palhinha.
Criticised by some fans for not progressing the ball enough, Palhinha demonstrates a different, but equally integral skill set.
Indeed, without the Portugal international's impressive ability to disrupt the opposition and confidently regain possession, Spurs would not have as many opportunities to move the ball up the pitch - and certainly nowhere near the number they had against West Ham on Saturday.
Palhinha won more duels (10) and made more tackles (five) than any other player against the Hammers.
What gives Palhinha the edge over his opponents is his strong ability to read the game and correctly predict the movement of others. Footballing intelligence, if you like.
His smart positioning puts him in the right place at the right time, and his calm and careful approach means he makes skilful interceptions - unlike the one he was on the receiving end of from Tomas Soucek.
It is important to remember that positive play looks different depending on your role and responsibilities. Palhinha may not play 40-yard diagonal defence-splitting passes, but he will successfully regain possession and redistribute to a team-mate who can.
He will block and redirect the opposition, limiting their options and protecting the defenders behind him, significantly increasing his team's chances of keeping a clean sheet.
He will disrupt play so expertly and with such seeming effortlessness, that his importance in the team could go unnoticed by some.
Much has been made of our attacking options this season, and although Palhinha is not shy in front of goal - as he proved against Manchester City - his defensive attributes are arguably what make him the sort of player we have been missing the most.