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#4 Paulinho (FC Barcelona)
When the Paulinho deal was announced in August, a majority of the Barça fanbase panned the transfer.
After all, he had flopped at Tottenham (even voted their worst ever player in an online poll), was playing in China for the last two years, and was no youngster at 29.
People had reservations as he is by no means a 'brilliant-on-the-ball' footballer and it also seemed that he would not suit Barcelona's possession-based, quick and slick passing style of football.
The price tag - €40m - only served to increase the pressure on the Brazilian's shoulders.
Six months on, he has answered his critics in style. Starting with the crucial winner away to Getafe back in September, there has been no looking back for Paulinho.
He has become something of a fan-favorite at Camp Nou and the way he has linked up with the players on the pitch, it looks like he has been playing with them for quite a few seasons.
He has this great ability to be in the right place, at the right time - a trait using which he has scored some crucial goals.
However, owing to the format of the Chinese Super League, he has played without a break since last February - a run extending to an astonishing 74 games for club and country, including the weekend game against Girona.
Despite the slight dip in form over the past month owing to his tireless season, he has been really instrumental for his new side in midfield.
Featuring in 24 out of the 25 league games (10 from the bench), he has scored eight and provided assists for two goals.
Despite not playing the full 90 minutes regularly, he has averaged 35 passes per game with an impressive pass success percentage of 86.5 in La Liga - demonstrating what a vital cog he has been for the Blaugrana at the centre of the pitch.
With Barcelona having a comfortable lead at the top of La Liga, and a place in the Copa del Rey final secured, only an early exit in the knockout rounds in Europe would put a dent on Paulinho's impressive first season in Spain.
