Copa Del Rey, Barcelona 6-1 Sevilla (Aggregate 6-3): Five Talking Points

#2 The rise of Arthur Melo

Arthur Melo was sublime throughout the game

The Brazilian midfield Arthur, who arrived from Gremio at the start of the ongoing season, has not even completed six months in the Blaugrana colours, but is already looking as if he has been owning them all his life.

In addition, he wears the No.8, which in itself is a huge responsibility - given the colossal image of the man who wore it until the last season, "Don" Andres Iniesta himself. Iniesta along with his erstwhile compatriot Xavi Hernandez wove together some of the most glorious success stories at the club, and will forever remain as legends as a result of their contributions towards the game in general, and Barcelona in particular.

When Iniesta left at the end of last season so as to retire whilst playing in more relaxing pastures, a huge shadow of doubt was cast on Barca's midfielders, as to who would fill the huge void. In came Arthur, and just like that, has gone on to become a regular starter under Valverde. Though the number in the back represents his succeeding Iniesta, Arthur's playing style is more reminiscent of Xavi's.

In this game as well, Arthur evoked his inner Xavi on numerous occasions. The most remembered one will, however, be when he delivered a cheat-code of a long pass to Ivan Rakitic, to tuck the ball in and extend the lead. Arthur simply found the perfect line to dispatch the ball, and delivered with panache, outpacing 8 Sevilla players. Check out the video for yourself (the pass can be seen from around the 1:39 mark):

Can passing get any more outrageous and sublime as this?

Arthur is definitely destined to reach great heights, and hopefully will play a vital role as Messi and his cohorts continue to script history with Barca.