The player in question has been a key player for Tottenham this season.
Igor Tudor’s first match at Tottenham Hotspur resulted in a 4-1 loss against Arsenal last weekend, but this match isn’t the true measure of his team. The real challenge will come on Sunday when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Spurs having a full week to prepare for this London derby.
Tottenham’s situation is challenging, both mentally and physically. Tudor took over at a tough time, as the squad is dealing with a serious injury crisis. He acknowledged there are “too many problems” at the club following the defeat to Arsenal and discussed the unusual number of injuries he has encountered. Tudor mentioned that this injury scenario is something he has never experienced in his managerial career.
Indeed, Tottenham had up to 12 players sidelined for the North London derby. Although Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso returned to training earlier this week and are set to face Fulham, Tudor will likely have 10 players unavailable on Sunday.
Igor Tudor hails “big leader” Joao Palhinha
The match at Craven Cottage will see Joao Palhinha face his old team. During his two years at Fulham, the Portuguese international became known as one of the top defensive midfielders in the country, holding the record for the most tackles in the Premier League before joining Bayern Munich in 2024.
As the London derby approaches, Tudor expressed his admiration for Palhinha, highlighting his importance in the team’s locker room. Given the injury situation, Tudor indicated that the tough-tackling midfielder might need to continue playing in defense rather than his usual midfield role for now.
“Big leader, important for the dressing room. All his skills, not just as a player, also as a human being. Yes, he played there (centre-back), it is not his natural position, so it is something extra for the team in this moment,” Tudor said on the club’s website.
“We had a back line of four last game to cover our weaknesses, and it’s about making adjustments for the team. In this moment, someone needs to take on a role that is not ideal for them.”
Palhinha’s experience and leadership skills valuable for Tottenham
Since returning from a minor injury last month, Palhinha has shown his adaptability by primarily playing in defense. After Cristian Romero left the field during the game against Manchester City, Palhinha teamed up with Radu Dragusin in central defense, effectively keeping Erling Haaland at bay in a 2-2 draw. He has also played as a right-sided center-back in a back three several times this season.
Palhinha’s contributions in the first part of the season were significant, providing balance and experience to the side. He offered solid protection to the defense and supported the midfield under Thomas Frank, contributing important goals as well. While some may find his pace and passing inconsistent, his versatility and leadership make him a valuable asset to the squad.
Both Tudor and the team will look to Palhinha to deliver a strong performance against his former club, Fulham. With Danso back, Palhinha might revert to his preferred midfield position on Sunday.