Amid interest from Liverpool, pundit Danny Murphy has claimed Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is a better player than Wolverhampton Wanderers stalwart Ruben Neves.
Taking to his column for the Mail on Sunday, the former Reds player suggested the Craven Cottage hero is actually a more well-rounded player than the Old Gold star.
“Portugal international Joao Palhinha is a steal at £17million (Wolves were also interested in case they lost Ruben Neves),” Murphy wrote.
“In my opinion, Palhinha is better, with more to his game.”
According to 90min, Neves is on Jurgen Klopp’s shortlist this month.
Elsewhere, journalist Dean Jones has reported the Merseyside outfit are eyeing a surprise move for Palhinha.
Palhinha better than Neves?
Although the comparison certainly isn’t that clear-cut, Murphy’s suggestion is a fair argument to make.
At this point in the season, Fulham sit seventh in the Premier League table. As per WhoScored match ratings, Palhinha has been instrumental in this push, having been ranked as the side’s third-best player from 20 appearances this term.
Wolves, on the other hand, are all the way down in 17th. Although Neves has been rated as the Wanderers’ best player, he hasn’t been able to pull his side out of a relegation battle.
Defensively, both players are very strong. However, it is probably the Fulham ace who comes out on top, due to his prolific power in the tackle.
Going forward, it is probably the Wolves captain who trumps his opponent, due to his ferocious long-shot and goal-scoring threat.
Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson has hailed Palhinha as an ‘outstanding’ player, while Neves has earned the same praise from The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers.
Either player could be a great signing for Liverpool, so it’s only a matter of waiting to see what happens.
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