Paulinho: Still getting to grips with life in England

The Brazil international formed part of a summer influx of big-money acquisitions at White Hart Lane in 2013, with former coach Andre Villas-Boas looking to reshape his squad.

A positive start bode well for the Samba star, but he has fallen out of favour since Spurs opted for a change in the dugout.

Paulinho has now aired his disappointment at having slipped down the pecking order, with there a desire on his part to be a first team regular - especially in World Cup year.

The 25-year-old midfielder has also revealed that it has taken him longer than he had hoped to settle in England and feel completely comfortable in his surroundings.

"I always want to play," Paulinho told Globo Esporte.

"I understand the team rotation because that's how it works here, but I am not feeling well or comfortable. I want to be present, I want to play.

"The language is the most complicated thing as I am lazy about studying. I am learning little by little, but I don't understand everything.

"The football language is easier, that's not a problem on the pitch."

While a lack of competitive action could be a problem heading forward, Paulinho has been offered assurances from within the Brazil set-up that he remains an important part of their plans.

National team coordinator Carlos Alberto Parreira said: "I have talked to Paulinho for two hours. He was a very important player for us at the Confederations Cup, scoring the goal that put us in the final.

"I have asked him to keep playing at the same level as he does for the national team."