Julen Lopetegui is not cut out for life at Real Madrid
When Julen Lopetegui announced he was to take over the job as manager of Real Madrid from Zinedine Zidane just before the start of the World Cup this past summer, something that subsequently saw him sacked as manager of Spain, a lot of fans were somewhat surprised at the appointment, and we don’t blame them.
The Spaniard has struggled dearly since moving to the Spanish capital, and it doesn’t like his stint at the club is going to last very long at all, especially considering their result against Barcelona on Sunday. Real looked limp, lifeless and lost in possession against the Blaugrana, something that has become somewhat of a theme for Los Blancos during Lopetegui’s short tenure thus far.
Bar a small 15 minutes spell in the second half, Madrid never looked like threatening Barca’s goal at all, something that definitely wouldn’t have pleased the club’s fans.
Real currently sit in ninth place in La Liga, with the Spanish giants being closer to the relegation zone than to league leaders Barca, an aspect that simply isn’t good enough for a club of Real Madrid’s stature and quality.
At the time of writing Lopetegui is still manager of Real Madrid, however this fact shouldn’t remain that way for long given how his side performed at the Nou Camp on Sunday, a display that everyone associated with the club will be wanting to forget in a hurry.
Arthur Melo has the potential to be a Barcelona great
When Arthur Melo first moved to Barcelona from Brazilian giants Gremio earlier this summer, a lot of hype was surrounding the midfielder, and boy has he lived up to that so far.
The 22-year-old is yet to get of the mark for the Blaugrana in competitive action since joining the club, however his failures in front of goal should not deter anyone from rating the Brazilian very highly.
Arthur has been nothing short of sublime every time he’s stepped onto the pitch for the Blaugrana, and his composure in possession, combined with his ability to see passes most players wouldn’t, has seen him slot into Barca’s side very nicely.
Against Real Madrid, Arthur was a different class, as he constantly helped relieve pressure with his quick passing and smart movement off the ball, with his ability to recycle possession and start moves from the back being second to none.
Despite being just 21, and having only moved to the Nou Camp at the start of the season, Arthur already looks like he’s been playing in the Blaugrana’s system for years, and it seems like the club may have a perfect heir to Xavi’s throne on their hands if he carries on performing like he is currently.
The former Gremio man has the same build, play style and technique as the Barcelona legend, and the club’s search for a replacement for the Spaniard may finally be over.
Arthur seems to play football almost effortlessly at times, just like Xavi did, and his partnership with his fellow midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets is one that has already greatly impressed Barca fans.
Only time will tell us how Arthur ends up fairing during his time in Catalonia, however if his performance against Real Madrid is anything to go by, it looks like Arthur could very well become a club legend in the coming years.