Joao Palhinha was crucial in helping Tottenham secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at home.
Since the transfer window closed on February 2, there has been much discussion about Tottenham Hotspur’s winter transfer activities. Captain Cristian Romero created a stir soon after the window closed by posting on Instagram that he played through illness in the recent match against Manchester City, calling it “disgraceful” that only 11 players were fit.
Manager Thomas Frank has been dealing with a significant injury crisis lately, losing several important players. Before the match against Manchester City, defenders Kevin Danso and Djed Spence were also unavailable. This situation forced him to create a makeshift lineup, starting Joao Palhinha in a back three alongside Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin.
Palhinha, who had missed three previous games due to a minor injury, played as a right-sided centre-back. After Romero was substituted at halftime, Frank switched to a back four, with Palhinha then partnering Dragusin in the center of defense. Surprisingly, the Portuguese player performed well, managing to contain Erling Haaland effectively.