Thomas Frank pleased with ‘top’ Tottenham addition who made the difference vs Manchester City

Palhinha’s numbers told the story: he completed 21 of 26 passes, won six ground duels, and provided the defensive steel that allowed Tottenham to control City in their own backyard.

Speaking after the match, Frank couldn’t hide his excitement (h/t Youtube):

“What is 100% sure is that we brought in two top players into the club – Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with. Palhinha, wow!”

It’s clear that Palhinha’s presence has already elevated Spurs’ midfield, giving the side a reliable No.6 capable of dominating battles and springing attacks.

A shrewd addition

The option to make Palhinha’s move permanent for £27m looks like shrewd business by Daniel Levy. Considering Chelsea forked out £115m for Moisés Caicedo and Arsenal splashed £60m on Martin Zubimendi, securing one of the Premier League’s most proven holding midfielders for less than half those sums would be sensational value.

Bayern Munich only signed him from Fulham last summer for £47.4m, but after just one season in Germany, Spurs could now end up with the better deal.

The missing piece in Frank’s system

At 30 years old, Palhinha might not be the youngest addition, but his game isn’t reliant on blistering pace. Instead, he thrives on anticipation, positioning, and football intelligence, traits that Frank’s high-intensity system demands.

The Portuguese international was once hailed as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world during his Fulham days, and on Saturday’s evidence, that reputation is still very much intact.

With Palhinha anchoring the midfield, Kudus providing dynamism in attack, and Sarr continuing his rapid rise, Tottenham suddenly look far more balanced and difficult to break down. For a side competing in the Champions League this season, that stability could prove crucial.

Palhinha’s impact at the Etihad has already set the tone for what he can bring across the campaign. If Spurs trigger that buy clause at the end of the season, £27m could go down as one of the club’s best deals in years.