Jamie Carragher has quickly changed his mind on Tottenham’s deal for Joao Palhinha
Joao Palhinha’s time at Tottenham Hotspur has been one of mixed fortunes, with the Portuguese midfielder experiencing both praise and criticism since his summer arrival from Bayern Munich. His fluctuating performances have even led Jamie Carragher—who once hailed him as an ideal signing for Tottenham—to dramatically change his opinion following a string of underwhelming displays.
Over the weekend, Spurs suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in a tightly contested London derby. The nature of the loss has reignited frustrations among supporters, who have begun to question not only the team’s attacking output but also Thomas Frank’s tactical approach. The Danish manager’s early success now feels like a distant memory, as Tottenham’s style of play is coming under increased scrutiny from both fans and pundits alike.
Carragher’s critical assessment of Palhinha
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher zeroed in on Tottenham’s midfield issues, particularly pointing out Joao Palhinha’s inability to progress the ball effectively. Just weeks earlier, Carragher had described Palhinha as “Tottenham’s best summer signing” and the perfect fit for Frank’s pragmatic style. However, after the defeat to Chelsea, the pundit’s tone shifted significantly.
According to Carragher, the major flaw in Tottenham’s setup lies in their lack of midfielders capable of breaking the opposition’s lines. He noted that Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur’s partnership offered defensive stability but little creativity or forward drive—an imbalance that left Spurs struggling to transition from defense to attack.
“The problem for me,” Carragher explained, “is that Thomas Frank has got to evolve. He’s early in his Tottenham tenure, but one of his first signings, Palhinha, isn’t suited to what this team needs right now. There’s a reason why Premier League clubs didn’t buy him from Fulham, and there’s a reason why Bayern Munich bought him but didn’t play him. That’s worrying.”
Carragher added that for a coach like Frank, moving from a smaller club to one with higher expectations requires a broader tactical approach. “Pragmatic managers often struggle when they step up because it’s not just about defending well anymore—it’s about coaching attacking patterns, rotations, and progressive play,” he continued.
Spurs’ midfield struggles laid bare
Statistics from the Chelsea defeat underline Carragher’s concerns. Tottenham’s expected goals (xG) of just 0.05 was their lowest ever recorded in a Premier League match—a staggering figure that reflects their inability to create meaningful opportunities. Much of that impotence stemmed from the Palhinha-Bentancur double pivot, which offered protection but lacked invention.
Tottenham’s midfield was unable to move the ball quickly or penetrate Chelsea’s defensive lines, forcing the team into predictable long passes and sideways movement. This stagnation frustrated the home fans, who are growing restless with Frank’s conservative approach, especially given Spurs’ reputation for attacking football under previous managers.
Xavi Simons also under scrutiny
Carragher also expressed concern about another of Frank’s summer additions, Xavi Simons, who endured a miserable evening against Chelsea. The young Dutchman was introduced early in the game after an injury forced an early substitution, but his performance failed to impress. Frank substituted him in the 73rd minute, signaling a lack of faith in the 22-year-old’s current form and confidence.
Simons’ struggles further highlight Tottenham’s creative problems. Without a reliable playmaker or a dynamic ball-carrier, the team has become overly dependent on moments of individual brilliance from the forward line—a risky approach in a side still trying to build chemistry under a new manager.
Frank urged to rethink his midfield pairing
Looking ahead, Carragher and other pundits have urged Thomas Frank to reconsider his midfield selection, particularly the pairing of Palhinha and Bentancur. While both are talented players, their similarities—strong defensively but limited going forward—have made Tottenham’s buildup play predictable and slow.
Frank may need to introduce Pape Matar Sarr to restore balance and dynamism in midfield. The Senegalese youngster offers more energy and forward thrust, which could help Tottenham link play between defense and attack. However, Frank’s options are limited due to ongoing injury issues. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are both sidelined, leaving Frank with few alternatives for the upcoming Champions League clash against Copenhagen.
For Tottenham and their supporters, the challenge now is to rediscover the attacking rhythm that made them such an exciting prospect early in the season. If Frank continues to rely on a static midfield partnership, frustration among fans is only likely to grow. Palhinha’s struggles, once dismissed as early adaptation issues, are now becoming a symbol of Tottenham’s broader creative problem—one that the manager must urgently address if he hopes to win back the faith of the North London faithful.