Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho made a return to England… but did he manage to prove a point?
Paulinho made his big return to London yesterday, two years after being ditched by Tottenham Hotspur.
The Brazilian was a £17 million flop bought with the Gareth Bale money, and failed to convince after playing under three Tottenham managers.
Now 29, his career is enjoying a second wind after playing for two years in the backwaters of the Chinese Premier League.
He maintained selection for Brazil during this time, and earned an unlikely move to Barcelona this summer.
Last night he was in action for Brazil at Wembley against England, taking on former Tottenham teammate Eric Dier at the stadium now used by his old club as a temporary home.
Paulinho had a bit more confidence upon his return than when he left, but his reintroduction to English football could not really be classed as triumphant.
He wasn’t terrible, but he did not stand out either in a disappointing friendly between two teams who played cagily.
The Barcelona ace tried to push forward and link up with Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar, but to no effect, while heading an effort over the bar.
Tottenham fans were intrigued and surprised to get another look at him, but were not left feeling much has changed…
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