Adrian Clarke looks at the impact of players who have joined new clubs in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Joao Palhinha (FUL)
Marco Silva’s Fulham will need to improve defensively if they are to be competitive upon their Premier League return in 2022/23.
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On that front, the recruitment of Palhinha certainly looks to be a step in the right direction.
Performing superbly as a defensive midfielder for Sporting Lisbon across the last two campaigns, Palhinha has attributes that should provide quality protection for Fulham’s defence.
During their Championship title-winning campaign, Fulham did not need to rely on a solid central midfielder who specialises in breaking up play.
As they step up a level though, Silva will be acutely aware of the value this type of player will offer, and this is where Palhinha has strong pedigree.
Palhinha's pre-season goal v Estoril
More to come. 💪#FFC https://t.co/0i6NQO4E1z pic.twitter.com/XqOrxwpnrr
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 26, 2022
The 27-year-old shone in last season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL), winning 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes, the fifth-highest number.
Displaying aggression, discipline, and defensive resolve aplenty, he also won an average of 9.1 duels per 90.
This was a tally bettered by just three midfielders in the competition, one of whom was England international Jude Bellingham.
Top tacklers UCL 2021/22
| Player | Tackles won/90 | Player | Duels won/90 |
| Vidal | 2.9 | Ngamaleu | 10.8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kondogbia | 2.5 | Bellingham | 10.4 |
| Lo Celso | 2.4 | Bennacer | 9.8 |
| Josef | 2.2 | Palhinha | 9.1 |
| Palhinha | 2.2 | Vidal | 8.4 |
*Min four starts
The way Fulham regain possession to spring transitional attacks is going to be crucial to their prospects of success.
Palhinha’s presence in the heart of midfield instantly improves them in this department.
According to Fbref, he featured in the top one per cent across Europe’s competitions last season for the most pressures by midfielders per 90, averaging a very impressive 32.4 per match.
Aggressive approach
Palhinha’s combative style means he gets embroiled in plenty of physical tussles.
He averaged two fouls per match in Liga Portugal last season and in the UEFA Champions League – a number that rose to 3.9 fouls conceded per 90 minutes.
This ranked him third for midfielders who made at least four starts.
Free-kick winner
On the flip side, Fulham will also win a lot of free-kicks because of Palhinha’s quality in tight areas.
The Portugal international has quick feet, is composed when in possession and is not afraid to try and beat an opponent; he draws fouls on a frequent basis.
In fact, just six UEFA Champions League midfielders earned more free-kicks per 90 than Palhinha, who was felled 2.9 times per match.
Fulham must profit from the many dead-ball situations he could earn them this season.
Most-fouled UCL midfielders 2021/22
| Player | Fouled/90 |
| Lucas Ocampos | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Jack Grealish | 3.3 |
| Mohamed Camara | 3.2 |
| Brahim Diaz | 3.1 |
| Jude Bellingham | 3.1 |
| Vitaliy Buyalskiy | 2.9 |
| Joao Palhinha | 2.9 |
*Min four starts
Palhinha makes up for a slight lack of pace with a very sound tactical game.
Ball-winning qualities are his main strength, but he also has an eye for a pass, averaging 87.8 per cent accuracy with his passing in the league last term.
If Palhinha adapts quickly to life in the Premier League, Fulham's prospects will receive a significant boost.