'I will not change' - Tottenham star defends his style of play amidst criticism

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A senior Tottenham midfielder has given an interesting statement about his strengths after being singled out for criticism on many occasions over the course of the campaign.

Almost no one across the Tottenham squad has played to their potential this season, which explains why Spurs find themselves in the middle of a relegation scrap.

The new faces at the club have had an extremely challenging time adapting to what appears to be a chaotic environment with immense pressure, in light of the team’s continued struggles.

One senior midfielder, who arrived at Spurs in the summer, was getting a fair share of the blame earlier in the season for being the Lilywhites’ Achilles heel.

Many suggested that Joao Palhinha’s inability to progress the ball was hindering Spurs, who looked unable to open up opposition sides.

Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha knows what his strengths are

Earlier in the season, Jamie Carragher suggested that Palhinha’s shortcomings in possession are why no other big club wanted him.

However, the 30-year-old Tottenham midfielder is clear in his mind about what his biggest strengths are and insists that he will not change the way he plays.

Speaking in the Jogo Pelo Jogo podcast, Palhinha said: “I am a player who likes to defend, to win duels, to help the team without the ball. I know sometimes I can make fouls or get yellow cards, but it is part of my game.“I will not change that, because it is what makes me the player I am.”

“I always try to give balance to the team, to be in the right position and help my teammates. My job is to be focused, to close spaces and to be ready for the moments when the team needs me.”

Palhinha opens up on Premier League’s unique challenges

The midfielder, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, looks made for English football, given his aggression, physicality and his competitive edge.

That is demonstrated by the fact that Palhinha often tops the charts for tackles in the English top-flight, and he admitted that one cannot afford to switch off while playing a Premier League game.

The Tottenham loanee added: “In the Premier League, you have no time. Everything is very fast. You need to think quickly, to decide quickly. If you don’t, you lose the moment. You cannot switch off, not even for a second. I try to be focused all the time, to make as few mistakes as possible.”