Liverpool’s transfer deadline day has seen them finally sign a midfielder, albeit on loan, and he is poised to emulate Thiago’s passing quality.
The Reds have struggled with midfield issues this season which has opened up a wider conversation on their midfield options as a whole. Jurgen Klopp has always been adamant that they will only go for the right player or option and in Arthur Melo, they have a solid short-term option.
Players will begin to regain full fitness slowly, but for the here and now, Melo stands as a great quick fix. Plus, if Klopp gives the green light to a player, fans can usually be assured that he is the right choice.
Liverpool bringing in a Brazilian international who has years of experience playing for Barcelona and Juventus is certainly a great move on paper, but what can he bring to this Liverpool team?
Arthur Melo to Liverpool, here we go! Contracts are now ready to be signed once medical will be completed in the afternoon, already booked. Arthur is flying to UK right now. 🚨🔴 #LFC #DeadlineDay
Loan deal valid until June 2023, no buy option. pic.twitter.com/xNhiJWspXb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
What does Arthur Melo bring to Liverpool?
A cultured, experienced deep-lying midfielder like Melo was clearly needed at the club, given Thiago stands out as the only real technically gifted midfielder in the squad.
Considering Thiago’s regular injuries, it makes sense to recruit a midfielder who can recycle the ball and be able to pass both short and long range. Sadly, the comparisons with Thiago carry into fitness issues. Arthur only managed 1,679 minutes of action last season – with Thiago managing 2,384 across all competitions.
Alas, he is only a short-term option and the injuries Liverpool currently have in central midfield are all slowly returning to full fitness, meaning Arthur will not need to be able to play over 2,000 minutes in total across the rest of the season.
For example, Naby Keita only managed 2,083 minutes in all competitions last season as Liverpool played every single competitive game available to them, that is unlikely to happen again meaning Arthur will not need to be fit to play anything near 2,000 minutes.
Some Arthur Melo action here https://t.co/ZWU1inwhH3
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 1, 2022
In terms of his quality – he has 22 caps for Brazil and has played for Juventus and Barcelona and is still only 26. A Twitter thread from Football analyst Sam McGuire helps to illustrate that – while Arthur struggled for a lot of minutes last season – there were examples of some fine passing performances.
He attempted 109 passes in the Champions League against Villarreal and totalled a 93% pass success rate. His stats also reflect a very tidy and concise passer of the ball; he registered in the 93rd and 97th percentile for passes completed and pass completion.
As a deep-lying midfielder, he won’t be expected to venture too far forward, but he also registers in the 80th and 83rd percentiles for progressive passes and progressive carries as well as totalling 21 pressures per 90, which sits him in the 74th percentile for midfielders.
Liverpool are bringing in a Copa America, Coppa Italia and Spanish Champion who can certainly slot into Jurgen Klopp’s side and help solidify their midfield. As a short-term option, it makes sense – but only as a short-term option.
