Ranking Tottenham’s 7 Gareth Bale money signings

5. Paulinho

It never really worked out for Paulinho at Tottenham, he was the first of three club record signings in the summer of 2013 and he played a pivotal role for the Brazil National Team in the Confederations Cup that summer, so expectations were high.

Paulinho showed a few signs that he was a world-class player, but he never quite lived up to expectation and unfortunately played badly more times than he played well. It was clear to see that he had talent, as any Brazilian does, but like some South American players his relaxed style of play failed to fit in well with the pace and physicality of the Premier League. His best moment in a Spurs shirt was easily his first goal, a last-minute winner away to Cardiff, just a shame these moments were few and far between and he will be remembered for the bad times rather than the good.

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Many people will remember him for that awful ‘shot’ against Aston Villa that scooped wide and was one of the most embarrassing moments to be a Tottenham fan. After his first season he scored a couple of goals and he did show some promise but he would always fall back down and turn into that lazy player that wasn’t interested.

I always thought Paulinho would make the breakthrough in his second season but after an awful World Cup showing for Brazil it wasn’t to be. It seemed at times that I thought he could make it more than he thought he could. His lack of fight and passion to do his best let him down and he was then sold of to the Chinese League, a huge step down, but probably suits his relaxed level.

Next: Roberto Soldado