Brazilian midfielder Arthur made just his second start for Barcelona in their Sunday game against Valencia, but he’s already justifying the lofty comparison that’s accompanied him to the club.
Arthur solid midfield play and controlled passing have led many to liken him to Barca legend Xavi, and the 22-year-old showed why on Sunday.
He set a new high mark for the season for the most passes attempted by any player in La Liga, 142, and that tally ended up being the highest in a La Liga game since the great Barca midfielder was plying his trade in Spain.
Arthur had impressed in Barcelona’s midweek game, the 4-2 Champions League win over Tottenham, and his form in midfield has vindicated the club’s and manager Ernesto Valverde’s faith in him.
142 - Arthur Melo attempted 142 passes against Valencia, the most by a player in a La Liga away game since Xavi Hernandez vs Levante in November 2012 (148). Reference. pic.twitter.com/jYspVgc28f
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 7, 2018
