Kathmandu, 21 Bhadra – Argentina and Barcelona's maestro said he saw echoes of the legendary Xavi in the new Selecao star who is eyeing an international debut this week.
Arthur has thanked his new Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi for his praise of the new Brazil midfielder. Former Gremio man Arthur joined Barca in June and this week is hoping to make his international debut as the Selecao face USA and El Salvador on the Brasil Global Tour.
And on Wednesday Arthur expressed his pride after Messi compared him to former Barca great Xavi. Arthur told, "I'm very happy to receive that praise from Messi, particularly as it’s him, an exceptional guy. There are no words to express how much he means to football.”
He said, “It is a great responsibility to defend Barcelona and Brazil. I have been welcomed by both and the adaptation has gone well with both so far.” Arthur looks set to miss out on a starting role against USA on Friday, with Fred slotting into midfield alongside Casemiro and Philippe Coutinho, but is expected to play some part in the game and will be targeting a full international bow on Tuesday against El Salvador.
"I am not in direct competition with Fred, we can play together, but it's a fair and healthy battle anyway,” he said. “Those of us who are coming in must get used to the process here, there is a lot to learn. We have been called up to fit the system. The players coming into the side now have to observe everything and learn the lessons.”