Tottenham’s midfield sorely lacked composure and physical presence last season as the club endured one of its worst-ever Premier League campaigns. The Lilywhites were often overrun in the middle of the park, with Ange Postecoglou lacking a single player capable of breaking up opposition play or shielding the backline. This was one of the major reasons why Postecoglou eventually lost his job, despite the team’s Europa League success.

Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Tottenham backed new manager Thomas Frank in the summer transfer window by securing the services of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. Signing the 30-year-old on an initial loan has already proven to be a masterstroke. He has quickly become one of the first names on Frank’s team sheet, underlining his importance to the side.

Joao Palhinha is one of the first names on the team-sheet under Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.

Like a duck to water, Palhinha has seamlessly re-adapted to Premier League football. The Portuguese international has been immense for Spurs, adding much-needed physicality and balance in midfield. To everyone’s surprise, he has also introduced a new dimension to his game by contributing in the final third. Goals against Manchester City, Wolves, and Doncaster Rovers serve...