I still don't really like Paulinho for our midfield but the difference in mentality is like night and day. Both players are 29 yet one seems like he genuinely wants to win fans over and is trying his best every minute he's out there while the other doesn't look like he even wants to be out there despite having a secured spot as a starter. Rakitic is quickly becoming another Arda Turan in how much effort he gives and I think it's ridiculous that Valverde can recognize Arda's lack of effort and notice Gomes doesn't offer much to the team but remains blind when it comes to Rakitic's lack of ability and effort, especially with players like Denis and Roberto starving for midfield minutes, both of whom would try much harder and play better than him by some distance, as well as Alena, who all around is just a better player with a better mentality even at his young age.