Barcelona (2-0) Inter Milan: 5 Talking Points, UEFA Champions League 2018-19

#4 Could Arthur fill the void left by Xavi?

Arthur has comfortably slotted in Barcelona's midfield since his arrival this summer

Since Xavi’s departure, Barcelona have found it extremely difficult to control games as much as they did when they operated with a three-man midfield of Sergio Busquets, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta.

However, Arthur who arrived this summer looks to have finally ended a long wait to find a suitable replacement for Xavi. It may be early days, but so far the midfielder’s ability to dictate games already suggests how good he could become for Barcelona in the future.

Like he was away at Tottenham in the last Champions League fixture, Arthur was extremely impressive once again in midfield and boasted a 95% pass accuracy against Inter. Borja Valero barely touched the ball due to the Brazilian’s persistence and willingness to receive and search for the ball so often in midfield. It was a performance way beyond the 22-year-old’s years, especially playing in central midfield alongside Busquets and Rakitic and at one of the most prestigious clubs in world football.

Valverde’s decision to remove the midfielder for Arturo Vidal was met by a chorus of boos from the home faithful, illustrating just how good they think the summer signing is and how good his performance was tonight.