Most shots from midfield: Spurs’ £17m man will be key to AVB’s future

Paulinho

With Christian Eriksen out injured and Lewis Holtby left rooted to the bench, Andre Villas-Boas made an interesting decision to deploy Paulinho in a central attacking midfield position behind Roberto Soldado in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

He isn’t a playmaker by any means, but is a very industrious, mobile player. Those qualities showed versus the Red Devils. Against a Fulham side that will work hard for their new boss under the watchful gaze of their disgruntled home fans, that work rate will come in handy once again.

The 25-year-old Brazilian hasn’t quite hit the heights he was expected to following his summer move from Corinthians, but he has shown glimpses of what he can do when on form. He has actually taken the most shots of all the league’s midfielders (30). He failed to attempt a single one versus United, but against a Fulham side that has conceded 24 goals, the joint most in the league, should he start, it’s likely he will look to test Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Also, given his tendency to make runs into the box, he would give Soldado a link-up option in the area. The Spaniard has often looked isolated up top this season. Fulham often defended deep in their own half under Martin Jol. If new manager Rene Meulensteen keeps that tactic, Soldado would find himself in front of centre-backs Fernando Amorebieta and Philippe Senderos, both of whom are bigger and stronger than him. Getting the better of them on his own, then, would surely prove a difficult task. He would definitely fancy his chances with Paulinho getting forward in support.

Additionally, Paulinho’s work rate in that advanced position would see him close down Fulham’s players high up the pitch when they are on the ball. He has attempted an average of 3.1 tackles and made one interception per game thus far this season. That kind of pressing could force them into errors. They’ve made eight already this season, with half of them leading to goals.

Spurs haven’t enjoyed the best of form so far this season. A win against Fulham would bring some much-needed confidence and would ease the pressure mounting on Villas-Boas. Should Paulinho start, he could prove key to them getting the victory.