Arthur Melo has finally made his first start for a Liverpool team - and he dropped a hint to Jurgen Klopp by doing so.
The Brazilian has only appeared off the bench since arriving at Anfield on a season-long loan from Juventus. Boss Klopp has made it clear that the midfielder is not yet ready for action following his move to the Reds.
But Arthur made a big step towards finally appearing in the Premier League on Saturday. He lined up for Liverpool's Under-21s side for their trip to Leicester in Premier League 2, part of a midfield trio alongside Jake Cain and Stefan Bajcetic.
What will please Klopp the most is that Arthur made it through all 90 minutes, helping the Reds to all three points. The Reds were also able to dominate possession against the Foxes, securing 57 per cent of the ball.
Arthur's performance is also a clear sign to Klopp that he fits in well into Liverpool's system. Though he was only appearing for the Reds' reserve side, it was still a side that replicate Klopp's style of play.
And head coach Barry Lewtas hailed Arthur as an elite player who can set an example to his younger group. That leadership is another attribute that may convince Klopp to bring Arthur into the fold.
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“That’s obviously what sometimes this group can do. We talk about it a lot: we’re in the same building, we work closely together on how we want to play. It gives players an opportunity if they need minutes to come in and play some minutes and play in the way we play. So, it was really good," Lewtas said.
“They’re top-level professionals. They add to our group as well, not just in terms of our performance but our young lads get to see what elite looks like. It works both ways. We can give them some minutes but they’re able to show us their professionalism and why they are where they are.”
Based off Klopp's comments upon Arthur's arrival, it likely will not long before he does finally start for the senior side. The upcoming international break will be the perfect time for Arthur to bring up his fitness levels and he will be a welcome addition to a part of the squad that has struggled this term.
"Arthur needs now just football - and training, especially, that's how it is. He wasn't in team training for a while at Juve, so he needs proper team training - and that's what we are doing with him," he said earlier this month.
"Can he play minutes? Yes. Should he play a full game? No, because he needs to get used to the intensity in each competition. It's not like in the Champions League you have to work less than in the Premier League. Not at all, especially not here.
"He is doing well, he is really giving his absolute all in training, we have to be careful with him as well and then we will see whether we can use him. He's a really good footballer – I think we all agree on that... he can give rhythm, he's a really good passer, has speed with the ball, safe on the ball."
