Fulham defensive midfielder João Palhinha is currently starring for Portugal at EURO 2024 as Bayern Munich looks set to close a transfer deal for him. So what is Bayern getting? In the words of his national team coach, a game-changer.
“João is not only good enough for Bayern, he would take the team to another level,” Portugal coach Roberto Martínez raved in comments captured via @iMiaSanMia. “He’s in the best moment of his career and can make his teammates better. He has made a perfect development since moving to the Premier League and deserves everything he can get. I loved his performance [against Slovenia]. He’s essential for this type of game. Slovenia have very fast players and rely on counter-attacks. He prevented that very well. His performance illustrates everything I said, his performance speaks for itself.”
Portugal got past Slovenia on penalties in the Round of 16 in a largely one-sided affair (73% possession to the Portuguese) that nonetheless required discipline to contain Slovenia’s threat against the run of play (10 shots, two on target). It could be a good preview of the traits Palhinha will need to bring to Bavaria next season.
Portugal’s EUROs journey continues on Friday against France.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big matchup with Spain in the EURO 2024 quarterfinals? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we break down how excited fans should be, two key positional showdowns on the pitch, a guess at Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI and a prediction on the game! You can get the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show on Spotify or below: