Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha has unleashed a fiery response to Jamie Carragher after the Liverpool legend tore into his performance and questioned whether he is good enough for a top Premier League side. The Spurs enforcer did not hold back as he branded modern punditry embarrassing and accused ex players of talking down others just to stay on television.
Carragher had singled out Palhinha after Tottenham’s disappointing defeat to Chelsea, claiming the Portugal international lacked the basic quality required in a central midfielder. The Sky Sports analyst even went as far as saying Palhinha could not make a simple pass, insisting his touches on the ball showed a lack of confidence and ability.
Palhinha admitted he saw the criticism because friends sent it to him, yet he brushed it off with a swipe of his own. He reminded everyone that Carragher once aimed similar digs at Cristiano Ronaldo, his captain with Portugal, and suggested that if someone will criticise Ronaldo then no player is safe.
The midfielder said he does not care what pundits say and insisted some former players only attack others to keep themselves on screen. He added that it is embarrassing to watch ex professionals acting as if they were superstars in their own careers. Palhinha also made it clear that Carragher should probably watch more of his Tottenham matches before judging him, claiming he is enjoying a top season under Thomas Frank.
Carragher’s original comments cut deep as he insisted Palhinha simply does not possess the level of quality Tottenham require. He accused the midfielder of hiding on the ball, taking too many touches and showing a lack of courage. It was a brutal dismantling and one that clearly sparked a reaction.
Palhinha, who shone for Fulham before a big money switch to Bayern Munich, has been a key figure for Spurs since arriving on loan in the summer. His first year in Germany was hit by injuries and Tottenham swooped to bring him in as Frank reshaped his midfield. He has featured in every match so far, scoring four goals including a strike at Manchester City and a dramatic late equaliser against Wolves.
The Portugal star insisted that constant outside noise means nothing to him and said there will always be voices trying to bring players down. His response came on the pitch when he scored in the Europa clash with Copenhagen shortly after Carragher’s remarks. Palhinha said he will simply keep working, keep playing and keep proving himself.
Now attention turns to the North London derby at Arsenal, a first for both Frank and Palhinha. The midfielder said the squad is fully motivated and ready to deliver a big result.