It has been a difficult start to life for Arthur at Liverpool. The Brazilian, on loan from Juventus, has managed just one outing – but Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur‘s verdict from 2021 should convince Jurgen Klopp to give Arthur time.
Arthur, 26, was a last-minute signing. He joined the club due to a multitude of injuries in the middle of the park. The Reds have agreed a season-long loan with Juventus. A deal also includes a permanent clause worth a huge £32.75m.
But so far, the 22-time Brazil international has only played once – coming on as a sub against Napoli. He remained an unused sub against Everton and Ajax. He even played just over an hour for the 21’s in the EFL Trophy against Rochdale.
Reports suggest that Klopp has not been impressed with Arthur in training. The chances of cancelling his loan as early as January is on the cards. But if Bentancur’s comments from 2021 are accurate, Klopp really needs to give him time.
Bentancur’s verdict should convince Liverpool to give Arthur time
The Tottenham ace, who played alongside Arthur at Juve, said – as per Football Italia: “Only [Andres] Iniesta is better than him with the ball at his feet. It is a pleasure to play with him. We are all playing well in midfield, a good team.”
It is a massive claim. But Arthur is renowned for his technical abilities and passing. It has seen him play for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Brazil. It is not a coincidence that all three have given him a chance. He needs time.
He is in a new country, a new league, and getting up to speed after an intermittent spell at Juventus. If he can produce ball-playing abilities in midfield that are even close to that of Iniesta – then Liverpool need to give him time to do that.
Bentancur’s verdict should be considered before Liverpool do anything drastic. Something like, cancelling his loan in January. He can offer something to the Reds and deserves the chance to do that, before a decision is made.
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