5 Players that will reduce the workload on Lionel Messi this season

#4. Arthur Melo

AC Milan v FC Barcelona - International Champions Cup 2018 — Arthur Melo will orchestrate play from the middle of the pitch

It took few years but it seems Barcelona have now found the perfect replacement for their departed legend, Xavi Hernandez, with their capture of Brazilian midfield maestro, Arthur Melo this summer.

After agreeing on a deal with Gremio over the purchase of the youngster last season, the Catalans have finally executed his transfer this summer.

The 22-year-old is a typical Barcelona midfielder, with his incredible style of play earning him a lot of comparison with two of the greatest midfielders to grace the Nou Camp - Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

A specialist in holding possession and distributing decent passes, Arthur will help in orchestrating play from the middle of the pitch and allow Lionel Messi to focus on his attacking duties.

He will also help in creating chances for the attackers to score, of which the Argentine will also benefit.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Shea Robinson