Arthur to make minor changes off the pitch to continue his progress on it
The club will encourage him to make smarter choices in his free time to avoid picking up injuries
FC Barcelona want to look after Arthur Melo. His first season at the club exceeded expectations but, in the latter months, he struggled to maintain their initial success. Now the club wants to help him avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
"I made a mistake by going to Neymar's party, I apologise," Arthur said. He picked up an injury following his visit to Paris to celebrate his friend's birthday. Barcelona have let the player know they don't want any repeat of that this time around. If he's to succeed, he needs to change certain habits he has developed off the pitch in order to avoid picking up injuries.
Arthur is aware of the situation and suffered from discomfort in his pubis which prevented him from showing his best form.
Another repetitive image was seeing Arthur being replaced at around the 70th-minute mark. He found it tough to adjust to European football and he struggled to see out the full 90 minutes.
With his national team, Arthur has again looked a genuine prospect. Lining up alongside Casemiro and Coutinho, he was an ever-present in Tito's Copa America winning side.
BUILD ON LAST SEASON
At this moment in time Arthur is still on holiday but he wants to step another step forward in his career next season. The plan is to establish himself in the starting lineup of Ernesto Valverde's team. The coach remains a huge supporter of the midfielder.
Comparisons were made between Arthur and Xavi last season which is the highest praise a player can receive. Frenkie de Jong adds extra competition to the centre of the park and has some similar traits to the Brazilian.
Valverde could name a mouth-watering midfield trio consisting of Busquets, Arthur and De Jong.
Arthur plays somewhat deeper for his national team, dropping back to collect the ball from the centre backs. With Barça he tends to play further forward.
De Jong had a similar role for Ajax and Holland but, with Busquets the deepest of the three midfielders, Frenkie will be used a little further forward.
Both Arthur and de Jong represent the present and future of this Barça side.
