Hot on the heels of Paulinho’s departure came the arrival of Arthur Melo at FC Barcelona.
The contrast in styles of the two midfielders couldn’t be more different with the Catalans, perhaps, deciding to exchange a more physical presence for a technically gifted exponent.
Many have already labelled Arthur as the ‘new Xavi,’ but he’s not - yet. To believe the same and to then immediately expect the type of service that the Blaugrana legend provided is unfair.
Lest we forget, despite his fabulous performances in Brazil where he is, by common decree, the best midfielder in the country, he is still only 21 years of age.
In order for him to be giving of his best in Catalonia, he must be allowed some breathing space and not to be suffocated under the huge weight of expectation.
He can certainly pass a ball well as his 94 percent accuracy evidences, and he’ll have no issue in either putting his foot in when necessary or supplementing the attack.
But ‘Xavi-esque’ excellence won’t happen overnight.
New country, new customs, new way of living, new team-mates, new style of football… Arthur needs to be eased into the system and allowed to develop a new set of skills. ‘The Barca way,’ if you prefer.
There are plenty of other players in that area of the pitch who are more than capable of keeping Barcelona on an even keel throughout the early part of the campaign.
Ernesto Valverde won’t be swayed by public opinion either, as was seen when Yerry Mina joined the side.
Once Arthur is ready, he will be handed his chance, but not before.
As and when that moment arrives, and it could take a season just as it did with Neymar, then Barca fans can look forward to some vintage midfield play.
Arthur’s intelligence on the ball is spectacular for one so young, and transitionally as a team, the Catalans should find the ball being recycled from back to front much quicker.
There’s an oft-repeated suggestion that the player is a perfect signing for the club, and that he has the necessary playing attributes to succeed.
Aside from his on-pitch exploits, he’ll also need incredible mental strength to get through the ordeal of the first few months at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Brazilian football is certainly the poorer without him, and Barcelona will be hoping that the £27.5 million invested in him – a bargain in today’s market – is money well spent.
