Liverpool’s £16M deadline day signing has reportedly stepped up his efforts to become fully fit and firing to ensure his Liverpool future.
The Reds moved on deadline day to secure the loan signing of Arthur Melo from Juventus – a player who’s highly experienced for club and country.
His loan signing raised a few eyebrows, however, it mainly shifted the focus onto the club’s reluctance to move for players on the market who could help improve their midfield.
The jury is still out on Arthur, but he’s been working hard behind the scenes to improve his fitness levels to prove to Jurgen Klopp, the team, the fans and even himself, that he belongs at this level.
Arthur Melo had the chance to play for 90 minutes with Liverpool U21 team — it’s his first start in 129 days, working hard to be 100% ready. 🔴 #LFC
Arthur will keep working at the AXA Training Centre. No plans to leave in January on player or Liverpool side, as mentioned. pic.twitter.com/H8n8ZY4PTy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2022
Arthur’s dedication to Liverpool revealed
According to Paul Joyce at the Times, Arthur has taken extensive means of action to ensure he can become fully fit and available to play for Klopp’s side.
Arthur Melo has recruited a physiotherapist, a fitness coach and a nutritionist to work with him on a daily basis as he looks to impress Klopp and kickstart his career once again.
Arthur, 26, followed up a 90-minute run for Liverpool’s Under-21s against Leicester City on Saturday by playing for an hour of their Papa Johns Trophy 1-0 defeat by Rochdale on Tuesday.
The sessions are planned in conjunction with Liverpool’s medical staff and the player fully is committed to the cause.
Liverpool rejected suggestions circulating in Italy last week that the club were looking to send the player back to Juventus and Klopp recognises Arthur’s efforts as he seeks to impress – hoping he can find his way into the Liverpool first team.
🚨 NEW: Arthur Melo has recruited a physiotherapist, a fitness coach and a nutritionist to work with him daily as he looks to impress Jürgen Klopp and forge a lengthy career at Liverpool. #lfc [paul joyce – times] pic.twitter.com/4DPU4GdQln
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 21, 2022
Arthur’s last few seasons
Still only 26, his experiences in the past will serve him well here but the lack of consistent game time and the regularity of injuries will be a concern for the club.
Given he’s only here on a loan deal, the club must also share those same reservations and yet, he’s only played 13 minutes of football for this club.
His past in Barcelona and Juventus as well as the Brazilian national team illustrate his qualities, but he has to go and prove himself given he’s not featured more than 22 times in a league season since 2018/19.
Clearly, there is ability there, but once he becomes fully fit, the onus is on him to perform otherwise he will find himself with a real lack of game time as Liverpool’s midfield casualties begin to recover.
