The former Tottenham midfielder notched a hat-trick in the Selecao's 4-1 win over Uruguay that all but clinched a World Cup berth
There was a time, not so long ago, when one could argue Paulinho was the most enticing young Brazilian this side of Neymar.
Paulinho had starred as the Selecao won the 2013 Confederations Cup, claiming Bronze Ball honours. A rangy central midfielder with physicality and a silky touch? His £17 million move from Corinthians to Tottenham seemed like a bargain.
But Paulinho, of course, never truly found his footing in the Premier League. The 2014 World Cup on home soil ended in devastation, with Paulinho benched for the 7-1 semi-final setback against Germany.