4 most improved players in the 2018-19 season of European football

2. Arthur Melo (Brazil and Barcelona)

Arthur Melo, the 22-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder has had a sparkling season for Barcelona so far. He was signed from Brazilian club Gremio and has been a revelation in his first season in Europe. He is accompanied by the veteran Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in the Barcelona midfield but has managed to remain the pick of the lot in most of the matches. He dons the no. 8 jersey that belonged to Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta and his playing style resembles that of another legend in Xavi Hernández and has done justice to the legacy of both so far.

Melo has decent passing skills and very good defensive acumen. He keeps winning balls in the midfield and spraying passes to the wings. He can play box-to-box at times too and has an exceptional work rate. He was exceptional in Barcelona’s 5-1 win against Real Madrid in LaLiga.

He has already featured in 13 matches for Barca. Moreover, he has earned 4 caps for the Brazilian national team and should become a mainstay in their midfield soon. He has a long career ahead of him and should inspire Barcelona to some trophies.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.