How can João Palhinha improve Bayern Munich?

João Palhinha ticks a lot of the boxes in terms of what Bayern Munich requires from a defensive midfielder

Bayern Munich have signed Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
Bayern Munich have signed Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham. | BSR Agency/GettyImages
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World-class defensive midfielder

During his two years at Fulham, João Palhinha was a model of consistency and established himself as a world-class defensive midfielder. With his uncompromising style of play, Palhinha was excellent at shielding the back four.

Last season, Bayern Munich’s defense was quite often left exposed. Unlike the current crop of midfielders at Bayern, Palhinha tends to focus more on defense duties than attack. In that regard alone his presence is a welcomed addition. The Portuguese midfielder is an excellent tackler and has the awareness of making interceptions to break up play and initiate attacks for the team.