Under manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham have yet to find a clear sporting identity. Palhinha, valued for his defensive qualities, may not be a perfect fit for the dynamic, high-intensity system that Frank prefers. The Dane has doubts about whether Palhinha can play a key role in the team in the long term. The midfield partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur, in particular, is considered too defensive internally. Despite inconsistent form, Bentancur continues to enjoy the manager’s confidence, which further complicates Palhinha’s position.
