Juan Roman Riquelme: Paulinho is a "phenomenon"

Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme believes that Paulinho is a "phenomenon" and has the same attributes as Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

The 24-year-old is poised to join Tottenham Hotspur after confirming that he was leaving Corinthians to link up with Andre Villas-Boas's side.

Riquelme told The Mirror: "Paulinho is like a black Lampard, but also makes headed goals. He is a phenomenon."

Fellow Brazilian at Tottenham, Sandro, believes that the addition of the midfielder will boost the entire squad at White Hart Lane.