sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Jurgen Klopp is extremely pleased with one Liverpool player in particular following international break

Jurgen Klopp is extremely pleased with one Liverpool player in particular following international break

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is very pleased with new signing Arthur Melo

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is very pleased with new signing Arthur Melo for his work during the international break.

Arthur arrived at Anfield on deadline day from Juventus on a season-long loan amid a midfield injury crisis on Merseyside.

The likes of Thiago Alcanatara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all sidelined through injury at that time, forcing the Liverpool hierarchy into making a late move for their new Brazilian.

After initial reports surfaced that Klopp was ready to send him back to Italy in January, there are now more positive suggestions that the German boss has been impressed with Arthur and his commitment to getting fit.

These impressions have extended into the international break, with the Athletic's James Pearce reporting that Klopp has loved what he’s seen from the 26-year-old in the last two weeks. 

“As well as players returning from injuries, this break has enabled new signing Arthur Melo to build his fitness levels,”

“The deadline-day loan arrival from Juventus spent a week working with Liverpool Under-21s and gracing the Papa Johns Trophy at Rochdale rather than going on holiday.

“Klopp has been delighted by his attitude and application. He’s now in a much better place to stake a claim for first-team action.”


Due to injuries of his own, Arthur has not experienced a pre-season and has been limited to just a 14 minute cameo off the bench in Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat to Napoli.

Having now played 90 minutes at Rochdale, the Brazil international should be in contention to start featuring for the Reds on a consistent basis.

Given the respective age profiles of many of Klopp’s midfield options, Arthur has an advantage as he is in the prime of his career.

The likes of Thiago, Henderson and James Milner are possibly losing some of their physical capabilities, while Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones remain inexperienced. 

Liverpool’s upcoming fixture schedule is unprecedentedly congested, as they play nine games in 29 days in October, so they will need Arthur fit and firing.



Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp