Joao Palhinha is hoping to make an impact at Tottenham week in week out under Thomas Frank
Tottenham made a shrewd signing in the summer window by bringing in Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. The Portugal international has joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan from the Bundesliga champions. It looks as though the north London club have hit the jackpot by signing the 30-year-old, seemingly with little competition in the summer.
It is fair to suggest that Palhinha was one of the best No. 6s in Europe during his time at Fulham before he went to Germany. The prolific midfielder took the Premier League by storm, performing consistently, week in, week out. His impressive performances at Craven Cottage earned the Portuguese star a well-deserved move to Bayern Munich last summer.
However, it did not work out for the 30-year-old in the Bundesliga, and he was often left on the bench for crucial games under Vincent Kompany. That was when Spurs took the opportunity to test the waters for his signature by offering him regular game time under Thomas Frank. The approach worked, as Palhinha instantly agreed to come to N17 and help the club build on their Europa League success.
Tottenham fans are yet to see the best of Joao Palhinha this season
One of the many bright sparks for Tottenham this season has been the instant impact Palhinha has made at N17. The Portugal international has arguably been the standout player in the positive results for the north London club under Frank. His impressive goal against Manchester City earlier last month has been the highlight of his short Spurs career so far.
However, Thomas Frank has shared that the 30-year-old is still adjusting to life in North London. Speaking in his pre-match presser (via Football.london), Frank said,
“I think we need to – even though he’s played in the Premier League before – it’s still a new club, a new coach, crazy new ideas from the coach, all those things. And then he had a little disjointed pre-season because he played at the Club World Cup, without playing too many games, or barely any.”
The Spurs manager added,
“So I think he will grow and be better. Happy again with his performance today. Solid. He just gives the team that structure and solidity.”
Frank indicated that Palhinha still needs time to settle at N17, as he is joining a new club under a new manager. The Danish tactician also pointed out that Palhinha missed a proper pre-season, having barely featured for Bayern Munich during the FIFA Club World Cup. Even so, Frank believes the 30-year-old has plenty of untapped potential despite playing brilliantly in the first few games for Spurs.
Now fans will hope that the Portugal international continues to impress in the middle of the park for Tottenham. Palhinha is going to be a crucial player for the Lilywhites if they want to compete on all four fronts this season under Frank. The 30-year-old will need adequate rest between games to stay fresh and ready to face elite teams.
