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#4 Arthur Melo (FC Barcelona)
In the 2017-18 season, Barcelona was guilty of getting outplayed in midfield in several key contests. Thus, they went in search of a central midfielder and landed Arthur Melo from Gremio.
The Brazilian instantly hit the ground running with many believing him to possess the ‘Barcelona DNA’. The midfielder’s quick feet, one-touch passing and ability to wriggle away from defenders also drew comparisons to a certain Xavi Hernandez.
Though Arthur has been hit hard by injuries this term, he has showcased his quality whenever on the pitch.
In the league, he averages 49.3 passes per game at an exceptional accuracy rate of 93.7%. Defensively too, he has been sound and has helped the Blaugrana establish more control in the middle third.
For the past couple of years, Barcelona has moved away slightly from its style of possession football with Ernesto Valverde favouring a more pragmatic approach. While the debate of whether the switch was due to a lack of personnel of just a different mind-set is better left untouched for now. Yet, with Arthur in the mix, Valverde and Barcelona can revert to their old tiki-taka roots.
After all, he is being touted as the ‘New Xavi’. And if he is even half as good as his illustrious predecessor, he would’ve enjoyed a superb Barcelona career.
