MY ACCOUNT
Joao Palhinha has been a Fulham player for less than a year but is already attracting admiring glances.
The Cottagers have exceeded expectations this season and the Portuguese midfielder has been one of their leading lights.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a summer swoop and it appears the Londoners may have a battle on their hands to keep him at Craven Cottage.
As Marco Silva’s men prepare to host Leeds, we explore why Palhinha will be crucial to Fulham’s hopes of securing three points.
Tackling machine
Palhinha, 27, combines awareness, timing and combative spirit to dominate duels.
Going into Matchday 32, the Lisbon native had completed more tackles (108) than any other player in the Premier League.
He is constantly on the move to cut out attacks, registering an impressive 35 interceptions, as well as 165 ball recoveries.
Palhinha is equally strong at progressing the ball, completing 174 passes in the final third and 66 long balls.
Berba’s a believer
Someone who knows what it takes to trade London for Manchester is Dimitar Berbatov, who believes Palhinha could also make the move.
The former Tottenham and Manchester United star said: “He’s having a great season for Fulham and he’s at that moment in his career where he can become even better.
“He has everything a holding midfielder needs. He’s not afraid of challenges, he can pass, he’s great at spraying a diagonal ball and switching the play. He’s also capable of scoring goals.
“If a team like United, or a similar calibre, comes in for him, he’s going to think it’s time for the next step and to win trophies.
“He’s had a brilliant first season in the Premier League but he needs to maintain that level of consistency.”
In demand
Despite only arriving from Sporting last summer, Palhinha has already attracted several potential suitors.
United appear to be leading the pack, with upgrades needed to assist midfield general Casemiro.
Liverpool are also reportedly interested in the Portuguese as they prepare to rebuild.
But Fulham have Palhinha under contract until 2027 and will no doubt slap a hefty price tag on their man.
A big fan in Johnson
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Palhinha would be a worthy addition to any of the Premier League’s big guns.
He said: “Palhinha has been looking great at Fulham.
“A lot of the big clubs can benefit from such a technical player and from what I have seen so far, I like him.
“Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are obviously still favoured targets [for some clubs] but you will be spending less than a quarter of the money for Palhinha than either of them.”
Chasing three points
Despite an impressive run earlier in the season, successive defeats to Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth and West Ham stunted Fulham’s dreams of qualifying for Europe.
A 3-1 win at Everton in their last outing steadied the ship and Silva will be determined to keep the momentum going against Leeds.
The Whites head to the Cottage after back-to-back drubbings saw them concede 11 goals.
But Palhinha will have to remain vigilant as the visitors are battling to secure their Premier League status.
