Arthur impressing with Brazil as much as he is with Barcelona
The midfielder shone in his country's win over Argentina this week
Brazil's Arthur passed his test against Argentina with flying colours. The Barcelona midfielder started the game and was one of the best players on the pitch as Brazil won the game thanks to Miranda's header.
The player touted as the next Xavi returns to Barça with his status enhanced in his home country. It was only his third cap, with his first two coming last month against the United States and El Salvador.
Arthur was left out of the World Cup squad. He was in the pre-list but didn't make the final squad. Tite went for Fred instead, the midfielder who swapped Shakhtar Donetsk for Manchester United in the summer. It was an error.
Now, Barça's No.8 is the only player not in Russia who is a starter with Brazil, who have learned from their errors with next summer's Copa America in mind -- which they are hosting.
He is proving himself in the big games. He did so at Wembley against Tottenham in the Champions League and again this week for his national team against a Lionel Messi-less Argentina.
"Arthur has huge talent, people are delighted with him in Barcelona and we are really satisifed with him, too," said Sylvinho, who is on Tite's coaching staff.
The website UOL said "it seems he plays with a suite on" and the fact he "never misses a pass" has also been highlighted.
In the commentary for Brazil-Argentina on SporTV, Neymar Jr's forme coach Muricy Ramalho said: "It is no coincidence Barça targetted a player like Arthur. He's one of those players that marks the rhythm of a game, with Brazil he's forming a quality double pivote with Casemiro."
