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
4 of 5

Seldom dwells on the ball unnecessarily

Palhinha may not be the most silky-smooth midfielder at Bayern, but he is quite astute in quickly distributing the ball to all parts of the field via both short and long passes after winning possession. Such features of his game would facilitate a rapid transition from defense to attack thereby creating the ideal conditions for Die Roten’s fleet-footed wide players and attackers to flourish.

Despite not being known for his dribbling ability, Palhinha is a powerful runner capable of carrying the ball in midfield. The Portuguese midfielder can keep the play ticking in the midfield when Bayern are dominating possession.