Since he swapped Barcelona for Juventus last summer, Arthur’s apparent reluctance to pass the ball anywhere but sidewards or backwards has been a cause of constant frustration.
But, in Sunday’s Serie A clash with Benevento, a Brazil international labelled the “rugby player” by a mocking Fabio Capello showed even what looks the safest option carries its own risks.
As Arthur lined up a trademark square ball across his own penalty area, the £62 million man failed to spot Adolfo Gaich lurking on the periphery.
Benevento’s January signing gladly accepted the gift, smashing home from the edge of the box as he fired Pippo Inzaghi’s relegation-threatened side to a famous victory at the home of the reigning Scudetto champions.
In a season of frustration for Gaich, who moved to Italy in the winter after a miserable spell at CSKA Moscow, his goal was a timely reminder of his talent, a coming-of-age moment in the Argentina international’s budding European career.
“For me, Gaich is similar to (Robert) Lewandowski,” his former San Lorenzo coach Fernando Kuyumchoglu told Tuttomercatoweb after a striker nicknamed ‘The Tank’ made Arthur pay to leave Juve red-faced.
“Due to his physical strength, it seems he’s not strong with his feet, but I assure you he also has impressive technical ability.
“The weak point compared to the Polish striker (Lewandowski) is perhaps his heading ability. But Adolfo has been working on that a lot lately and is improving from game to game. We are talking about a very intelligent striker, with a great sense of position.
“In short, he has everything to continue to pursue his dream and one day wear the jersey of a big European club.”
Speaking last year, Gaich’s agent, Pablo Caro, confirmed Leeds and Sheffield United had made approaches for the 6ft 3in powerhouse.
And while Blackburn Rovers fans will be left forever wondering what might have been if a young Lewandowski had moved to Ewood Park rather than Dortmund all those years ago, could Gaich be Leeds or Sheffield United’s ‘one that got away’?
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