12 Sep 2013 11:18:37
I have thought this for a while but does anybody else feel that Paulinho is mega over-rated? I think the fact he's Brazilian and has a 17mil price tag people think he's better than he actually is. his first touch is really bad and I feel he hasn't really added anything different In that position? Also, with all the new arrivals I've been hearing people think Dembele will struggle for a game, hoever, I think its very important we keep him in the team so that the starting 11 is not full of new faces (much like qpr was). I would like to see him remain as 1 of the 2 deep lying midfielders and have eriksen behind the striker.

No and No! I think that Paulinho will get better and better as he settles and is already a good solid MF'er. Don't think he has done much wrong so far. Sandro also offers much in the MF area and is important part of the team/squad. As for Dembele - he's never played himself into the Spurs team. From what he was doing a Fulham to now, he seems to have gone backwards so I think that the new signings are all ahead of him and he'll struggle for a place. Might change if people don't gel so the next 3-5 games will see what our strongest side really is this year.

Paulinho is right at his peak, with years of his best football left in him. He is a current Brazilian international and was 1st choice in his position throughout the Confederations Cup.

A few years ago we could never have hoped to sign a player with that pedigree. Now we are asking if he is good enough for us.

How times have changed.

He's had 3 games, far too early to tell. I think there have been signs that he will pop up with goals, that he'll be combative and a bit creative when he gets up to the pace and intensity of the league and, if that all comes true he'll be a solid signing.
Capoue was caught out by the NLD, tried to keep playing 'his' game which wasn't quite up to the pace but i'm sure he'll come good if he gets over the injury and can catch up. Eriksen and Lamella we're yet to really see but hopefully very exciting after they have a few weeks to settle.
If anybody, for me it's Chadli who i'm concerned about. He's 6'2", fairly quick, has been out on the wing with scope to express himself a few times and has seemed almost scared to try a final ball or make a shot of note - have to see how he does but no better than Lennon or even Townsend at the moment.
I agree with Dembele being the one who may struggle if the others all adapt and fulfil potential in the coming months. He is a very good footballer, technically solid, usually retains the ball well but, he doesn't offer anything special as a holding player compared to Sandro and maybe Capoue if he progresses and Paulinho could end up offering much more in a similar role. Moussa doesn't stop a spectacular amount in one half and doesn't create or score anything in the other half. He's been at a plateau for a long time.
Simmo