How much will Fulham miss Palhinha?

Fulham will go into the 2024/25 season without their influential midfielder Joao Palhinha following his move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international has been a dominant figure in the heart of midfield since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in July 2022 and will be hard to replace. Head coach Marco Silva is yet to make any signings this summer.

In his two seasons at Craven Cottage, Palhinha has established himself as one of the top flight's best defensive midfielders, with no player making more tackles in the Premier League than him.

Last season, the 29-year-old made 152 tackles, 24 more than anyone else. He won 75 of them, the second-most, only behind Vinicius Souza's 76.

In his debut 2022/23 Premier League campaign, he made 148 tackles, a huge 48 more than anyone else. He won 84 of them, 27 more than any other player.

That combined total of 300 tackles since 2022/23 is 109 more than his nearest challenger, Moises Caicedo.

Palhinha is also in the division's top 10 for duels won and interceptions.

Most tackles made since 2022/23

Stats show Fulham should be fine

However, there is evidence to suggest Palhinha may not be as badly missed by Fulham as you might think.

The statistics show that out of the eight matches in the Premier League that Palhinha missed, Fulham won four and lost four. 

That means they have a better win percentage - 50 per cent compared to 35.3 percent - when he is not in the side.

Furthermore, Fulham averaged more goals per 90 minutes without him in the starting XI and have a higher return of points per match. 

Some of those victories include an impressive 3-2 comeback win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2023 and a first victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford since 2003, in February of this year.

Fulham with/without Palhinha since 2022/23