Jurgen Klopp has praised just how good new Liverpool signing Arthur is with the ball at his feet.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, the Reds boss spoke about his latest signing for the first time. Above all, it’s clear that Klopp loves his passing.
“Really happy about this transfer,” enthused the German, after being asked what Arthur will bring to Liverpool.
“He’s a really good footballer, he’ll bring all of that. Had a very exciting career already, and still pretty young. Actually the best age for a footballer, or coming into the best age for a footballer.
“He can give rhythm, he’s a really good passer. Speed with the ball, safe on the ball, as I said [he] can demand rhythm which is pretty important. Really good in tight areas, all this kind of things, I like it a lot.”
Liverpool finally find their Thiago understudy
It was interesting to hear Klopp’s take on what was a rather surprising transfer for Liverpool yesterday.
Ironically, part of what makes Arthur’s move so unexpected is exactly what Klopp is praising him for. When you think of Liverpool’s midfield over the years, passing isn’t the first attribute that comes to mind.
Of course, there is one blindingly obvious exception to that rule: Thiago Alcantara. In Thiago, Liverpool have perhaps the very best passing midfielder in world football.
It isn’t a surprise then, to hear that Liverpool scouts actually see Arthur as an understudy to the Spaniard.
Thinking about it, that’s a really wise thing to have. As we all know too well, Thiago can’t stay fit for a full season. We’ve already seen that this year and we’ll doubtless see it again at some point.
That’s obviously a problem in itself. But what makes the issue even more striking is that Liverpool don’t have a player in anything like the same mould. Thus, with Thiago injured, they just can’t replicate what he does when he’s fit.
With Arthur added to the squad, hopefully now they do. It might not be that we see the two play together all that often, as that could drastically alter the make up of Liverpool’s midfield.
But as far as direct replacements go, Arthur will do his very best impression of the maestro. He may not play every game this season, but that’s still a pretty important role.
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