Arthur's debut brings back memories of the 'old' Barcelona
In his debut against Tottenham, Arthur had 93.5% passing accuracy and scored an authentic golazo
"The Barça fans will like how I play." Very few footballers have been so confident of themselves from the start. Arthur hasn't wasted any time in living up to those expectations - in fact, it only took 45 minutes. In that first half of football he was compared with Xavi Hernandez, again, and made everyone think that the Brazilian is the one player this Barcelona side has needed for a while.
The midfielder is capable of those quick, incisive passes that Xavi and Iniesta were famous for. Arthur showed how reliable he was in possession with a 93.5% passing success rate on his debut. He was always available, searching for space and offering an outlet for his teammates. Alongside Sergi Roberto, playing in midfield, he formed the axis of the team during their first preseason test.
Rafinha was one of those who benefited from Arthur's dominant display. "I don't like to compare players but he reminds me of Xavi. Mainly for the way he moves the ball. He's a great signing for the club." There were even more hints to the 'old' Barça: Arthur wore the number 4 shirt, one which has a deep history at Barcelona, and in each movement - first time passing, protecting the ball - the nostalgia amongst fans only increased.
Valverde marks him highly
“He's a player we thought could bring a lot to the side and he's showing that. He helps us retain possession, he offers an outlet to the team, arrives at the edge of the of box and can score goals like the one he did today. We're working so that he continues to adapt. He was highly motivated for his debut and it's gone really well," added Valverde following the match against Tottenham.
Arthur scored a goal with a Brazilian feel to it. The move began when he trapped the ball, common in indoor football, and finished with an unbelievable strike.
His teammates were convinced it wouldn't be the last the former Gremio man would score in a Barça shirt. "He scored a crazy goal but it doesn't surprise me because he has so much quality," confirmed fellow new signing Clement Lenglet.
More than simply exhibiting a high level, the most surprisingly feature was how naturally he slotted in alongside his new teammates and his determination to continue leading the side forward.
After the match, Arthur couldn't hide his enthusiasm at wanting to prove he was ready for the challenge ahead of him. "I've been desperate to play in this shirt. I was more anxious than nervous. It's a dream come true. I've always imagined this day would come and I've worked hard to make it a reality."
