Gonçalo Franco vs João Palhinha
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
João Palhinha commands a higher market value (€25.0M vs €3.5M). Gonçalo Franco leads in key passes / 90 and press intensity / 90. João Palhinha is stronger in goals / 90 and shots / 90. Overall, João Palhinha holds the statistical edge across 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Franco is the Championship’s premier middle-of-the-park scavenger, a Portuguese engine who combines high-volume ball recovery with a surprisingly refined creative touch. While many "destroyers" are merely reactive, Franco’s profile is defined by proactivity; his 2.03 tackles won per 90 places him in the elite top 10% of league midfielders, yet he maintains an 82.9% pass accuracy that keeps his team in rhythm.
A Ball-Winner. Statistically, he stands out as an aggressive ball-winner (4.7 tackles/90), wins the physical battle (63% duel success), wins the ball cleanly (2.6 successful tackles/90), heavily involved in play (60 touches/90), active off the ball (2.5 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions and top 10% tackler in the league.
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | Gonçalo Franco | João Palhinha | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.08 | 0.18 | João |
| Assists / 90 | 0.11 | 0.09 | — |
| Shots / 90 | 0.99 | 1.24 | João |
| Key passes / 90 | 1.02 | 0.27 | Gonçalo |
| Passes (final 3rd) / 90 | 4.49 | 4.55 | João |
| Tackles won / 90 | 2.03 | 2.73 | João |
| Interceptions / 90 | 1.13 | 1.24 | João |
| Press intensity / 90 | 2.84 | 2.46 | Gonçalo |
| Pass accuracy % | 82.10 | 81.10 | Gonçalo |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — Gonçalo Franco or João Palhinha?
João Palhinha commands a higher market value (€25.0M vs €3.5M). Gonçalo Franco leads in key passes / 90 and press intensity / 90. João Palhinha is stronger in goals / 90 and shots / 90. Overall, João Palhinha holds the statistical edge across 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
Gonçalo Franco has a market value of €3.5M, while João Palhinha is valued at €25.0M.