Barcelona legend Carles Puyol doesn’t think that comparing Arthur to Xavi Hernandez is ill-advised.
Arthur has adapted well to life in Barca’s midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakatic since arriving from Brazilian side Gremio in the summer.
After Anders Iniesta departed the Catalans at the end of last season, all eyes turned towards the potential midfield replacement for the Barcelona legend.
So far, Arthur seems to be living up to expectations in at Camp Nou and has even drawn comparisons with Xavi, considered to be one of the best midfielders to have played the game. However, Puyol, another Barca legend, doesn’t think the comparisons are helpful.
“He [Arthur] is one of those players that we say has Barca DNA,” Puyol told Sport. “He has all the qualities needed to be a success if he’s given games.
“I think we’re looking at a player that can mark an era at Barcelona. Comparing any player with Xavi are big words,” added the Spaniard.
“In that comparison, he’s going to lose – and it’s a pressure on Arthur that I think we don’t have to put this on his back.”
“Let him grow, make his football and not compare with Xavi Hernández.
“If he is in Barcelona it is because he has seen qualities and that he has the characteristics to play in this club. And he’s showing it.”
Arthur will have the opportunity to appear in his first Clasico clash when Barcelona take on La Liga rivals Real Madrid on Sunday at Camp Nou.
The game marks the end of an era, as it’s is the first time since 2007 that neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will make an appearance in the game. Ronaldo left Real and La Liga for Juventus in the summer, while Messi is nursing a broken arm on the sidelines.
The post Carles Puyol: Don’t compare Arthur to Barcelona legend Xavi appeared first on Squawka News.
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