Fernandinho replaced Paulinho to good effect against Cameroon yesterday but that failed to stop the latter praising the performance of the Manchester City man.
Paulinho has so far struggled to replicate the form he achieved in the Confederations Cup and many are calling for Fernandinho to replace him now in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s starting XI.
Speaking to Lancenet after the 4-1 success, the Spurs midfielder praised the performance of his fellow Premier League star.
He said: “I am very happy for the qualification, very happy with the performance.
“And how Fernandinho played because the game was hard and he helped us start working. We are working to find the best way.”
On his own form, the 25-year-old acknowledged that he hasn’t yet played to his best but knows in time he will reach his optimum again.
“I’ve been searching to find my 100%,” Paulinho added.
“There is still a little bit, and I will seek but I understand. In my life everything has always happened naturally, as always I expect my time and my opportunity will come.”
