Liverpool’s £16M deadline day signing is currently working hard to improve his fitness to break into the Liverpool side.
There were rumours that the club didn’t want Arthur Melo, their deadline day loan signing, but reports have since rubbished claims.
This has seen the Brazilian work hard in the gym and look to secure regular minutes for the U21’s side in an effort to build up his fitness.
With no international call-up for Arthur, he will be hoping he can use the break to build up his fitness before looking to break into Jurgen Klopp’s side that still has players missing in midfield.
🗣️"While the rest of Jurgen Klopp's squad not away on international duty are enjoying a week off, Arthur has dropped down to the under-21s in order to build up his fitness levels."@JamesPearceLFC on Arthur Melo🏃♂️ #LFC [@TheAthleticUK]
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 21, 2022
Arthur’s current situation at Liverpool
Liverpool’s U21 coach Lewtas claims that Arthur is working hard to ensure that he can compete and play regularly in this Liverpool side, despite reports that he’s been written off by the higher-ups at the club.
“From what I’ve been told, Arthur asked to play,” Fewtas revealed.
“He wants to get fit, he doesn’t need a week off. It’s been off his own back which shows his level of professionalism. He’s been great with the young lads.”
“I don’t think he knew where we were coming tonight but he knew we had a game! In training yesterday he was excellent. He really drove the session. It was probably the best matchday minus one we’ve had.”
“He doesn’t speak Scouse and I don’t speak Portuguese, but you can tell from his body language that he wants to be around. He’s really embraced it.”
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
What will his role be?
Given he was a very late deadline day signing, it’s clear he’s not needed right this instant to start in the side. But he will play a key role in squad rotation and he gives Jurgen Klopp a different option in midfield.
Stylistically, he’s closest to Thiago – he’s someone who likes the ball as much as possible and he also likes to get his head up and play forward which means he could be an alternative for Thiago at left centre midfield.
Considering Thiago’s injury record, he may be needed on a frequent basis, especially for general rotation and he can take the role of the ‘midfield metronome’. This lines up with his stats – he ranks between the 77th-96th percentiles for passes attempted, passes completed, pressures, progressive carries and progressive passes.
The long-term plan is still unclear, as Liverpool do have an option to buy at €37.5M, but for the rest of the season, he’s likely to play a rotational role alongside Harvey Elliott, James Milner and the injured midfielders such as Naby Keita and Curtis Jones when they return from injury.
