Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme is a big fan of new Tottenham signing Paulinho.

Riquelme faced Paulinho during the Copa Libertadores last season.

"Paulinho is like a black Lampard, but also makes headed goals," he claimed. "He is a phenomenon."

Speaking on Brazilian TV on Tuesday, Paulinho said: "This comparison is a responsibility that I will take, I will not run away from it.

"Lampard is a great player, not only for Chelsea, but in world football. I Intend to follow in his footsteps as he is a very professional guy, David Luiz (a team-mate of Lampard's at Chelsea) always speaks of him on international duty.

"I've always looked at what Lampard does, and to me is a huge phenomenon - the way he hits the ball, what positions he takes up - he really is incredible.

"After I played against Riquelme he turned to me and said, 'You are a phenomenon' and said he wanted my shirt to take his son."