El Clasico: Expect surprises from the 'hunter'

(Baonghean.vn) - Leo Messi and Ronaldo are always the focus of debates and on the pitch during El Clasico matches, but Barca also has the "hunter" Paulinho lurking in wait. It's very possible that this Brazilian midfielder will score at the Bernabeu.

The midfield has always been a major problem for Barcelona. Under pressure to bring in successors to players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the club has spent nearly €100 million in the last two years trying to find worthy players. After failing to attract many established players from European football, new coach Ernesto Valverde surprisingly brought Paulino from China for £40 million, a price for a 29-year-old player.

Despite being Brazilian, Paulinho is known for his physically demanding style of play, unafraid of tackles, and often unleashing powerful long-range shots. This style of play is unlike that of any other Barcelona player and seems to go against the tradition of elegant football practiced by the Spanish giants.

Paulinho is in impressive form for Barca. Photo: Internet

A surprising revival

Paulinho's peak was four years ago, at the 2013 Confederations Cup under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, with brilliant performances in the Brazilian national team's colors. He arrived at White Hart Lane after the club sold Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

After making 30 appearances in the 2013/14 season without making a significant impression, he gradually lost his place and only started in a mere 3 games the following season. “When Pochettino arrived, I didn’t get much playing time. At most, I probably only played 4 games in my preferred position, and occasionally even as a number 10. He had many options, and I was just a secondary player,” Paulinho told Goal.

It seemed as though the Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande bought him for £10 million, effectively ending his European football career. But Neymar's departure brought him back to Europe with the Catalan team, where he shone brightly.

It's well known that for many years, Barca always played with a 4-3-3 formation with the formidable trio of Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Messi. When Neymar left, Dembele was brought in with the expectation of replacing him, but then Dembele got injured and coach Ernesto Valverde decided to switch to a 4-4-2 formation.

And Paulinho's surprisingly effective contributions have helped coach Ernesto Valverde solve many problems regarding Barcelona's playing style. Even when Luis Suarez or Messi aren't playing, Paco Alcacer in attack still proves dangerous, as seen in the match against Sevilla and most recently in the victory against Villarreal.

Steel shield

This is the Barcelona lineup that will face Real Madrid in the El Clasico. (Image: Internet)

Four months later, Barcelona is still maintaining an unbeaten run in all competitions, and they are the only team in Europe to still hold this impressive record. The new signing has silenced everyone with his outstanding performance and has become a crucial factor in helping Barca maintain their unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Paulinho demonstrated effectiveness in both defense and attack, averaging 1.3 tackles per game and scoring 6 goals for Barcelona in La Liga. This is the type of box-to-box midfielder Barcelona haven't used in over 10 years.

Paulinho's playing style has many similarities to that of Dutch player Edgar David under Frank Rijkaard. With Paulinho in the team, Iniesta, although playing as a left winger, is allowed to move freely, sometimes playing as an attacking midfielder in a 4-3-1-2 formation, and when needed, pushing forward like a striker in a 4-3-3 formation.

With his abundant stamina, Paulinho can share the defensive burden with Busquets, and even drop deep behind the two center-backs to act as a steel shield when pressed by the opposition. Despite possessing excellent individual technique and powerful shots, Paulinho often plays simply, with few touches and constant movement.

If you don't press this Brazilian midfielder, your goal is easily bombarded with shots, while trying to isolate him leaves space for Suarez or Messi to attack. Not to mention, if he's in the mood, Paulinho can dribble past two or three opposing defenders to score with his skillful footwork. Even more concerning, Paulinho is also excellent in aerial duels thanks to his physique and powerful jump.

Therefore, in El Clasico, the Bernabeu's back four of Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, and Carvajal will pay special attention to Suarez and Messi as usual, but Paulinho cannot be underestimated. And if Paulinho's name appears on the Bernabeu scoreboard, football fans shouldn't be too surprised.

AT