Player Review
85 - IF
When I got Paulinho, it was a red pick at the beginning of the year. My club was pretty empty, so I built my team around him. After using him for over 350 games (mostly weekend league) I can fully recommend him, even in the latter stages of this game. I use him as the central mid in a 4-3-2-1. He is very good at winning the ball back, and even though I do not play with high pressure, he is always charging down the ball carrier. When he wins a tackle, his well rounded stats allow him to advance the ball with a good pass or some dribbles. If passing percentage was tracked, I would not be surprised to see that it was 95%. Positionally, he can work immensely as a cdm or cm. Anywhere else his slight heaviness would have a bit of impact. The most unexpected thing is how frequently he wins headers. Almost every goal he has scored has been on a corner. At 6 foot tall he is no vvd, but the 94 jumping feels like 994. Even on goal kicks against target men I have come to expect Pauly to win everything. All in all, I would describe Paulinho as a rover. He's everywhere on defense and never seems to tire. Compared to most defensive mids he is very good going forward as well
Short Passing - His passing in close quarters is very reliable. Good for a tiki taka style of play
Ball Control - The ball stays close to him when dribbling, and his 4* skills means he has a last resort to escape from defenders
Stamina - This guy can put on the pressure for a full 90 minutes plus extra time
Set Pieces - He is extremely deadly on corners, rises over defenders and causes havoc
Heading - He wins them. A lot of them. Keepers beware of launching the ball upfield
Interceptions - With the shadow, he gets 92 interceptions and you really feel the boost. Paulinho is always running around cutting off passes (even without the tactics!)
Work Rates - Do not let high/high scare you away from using him cdm! If he gets forward, rest assured that you will see him flying back
Heaviness - He is not the most agile, and sometimes has trouble dribbling in the final third. Passing the ball when getting close to goal is recommended
Shooting - Although 84, his shot id never really threatening to the opposition inside and out of the area. In Pauly's defense, I dont shoot lots with him, but when I do I was not blown away