Analysis: With limited minutes, Paulinho proves key for Palmeiras | OneFootball

The most decisive player is not always the one who stays on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. At Palmeiras in 2026, Paulinho continues to show that quality and efficiency can matter more than playing time.

In Sunday’s (31) 1–0 win over Chapecoense at Allianz Parque, the No. 10 was once again decisive. Playing in his eighth match since returning from a long injury layoff, Paulinho scored the goal that secured another three points for Verdão, who head into the World Cup break as the outright leaders of the Brazilian Championship.

The goal against the team from Santa Catarina reinforces a trait that has followed the forward since his arrival at Palmeiras: the ability to decide important matches even with carefully managed minutes.

Since returning to the pitch, the coaching staff have been carefully managing his physical condition. Even so, Paulinho has already delivered key moments for the club. He was decisive in the 2025 Club World Cup, finding the net against Inter Miami and Botafogo. In the 2026 Brazilian Championship, he scored the third goal in the emphatic 3–0 win over Flamengo at the Maracanã. Now, he once again stepped up to settle a match that had been proving difficult against Chapecoense.

More than the numbers, what stands out is the way Paulinho influences the game. His movement between the lines, ability to attack spaces, and composure in front of goal give Palmeiras a different attacking option. Even when coming on during matches or playing with a reduced workload, he is capable of changing the course of a game.

The match against Chapecoense also marked an important step forward in his recovery. It was the game in which he stayed on the field the longest since returning from injury, signaling that his physical recovery process continues to progress positively.

According to NOSSO PALESTRA, Paulinho’s clinical and physical progress has been viewed very positively internally. The forward has been responding well to the plan drawn up by the medical and fitness staff, paving the way for a gradual increase in his minutes after the World Cup.

The expectation was reinforced by head coach Abel Ferreira. In a press conference after the win over Chapecoense, the manager confirmed that the forward is improving constantly and indicated that the player should see more time on the pitch as the season goes on, as he completes his recovery process.

For Palmeiras, the break in the season comes at a strategic moment. In addition to leading the Brasileirão, the club sees one of its main technical reinforcements gradually regaining rhythm. If he is already able to decide matches while playing only a few minutes, the outlook is that Paulinho will have an even greater impact once he is fully fit.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.