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Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

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‘He has been first-class’: Liverpool coach stunned by ‘excellent’ talent in training this week

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Liverpool Under-21 coach Barry Lewtas has praised Reds midfielder Arthur Melo for his efforts in training this week.

The Brazilian joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day as Jurgen Klopp sought to bolster his midfield ranks.

Arthur has made one appearance so far for Liverpool, a 13-minute outing in the Champions League loss to Napoli.

Football, Champions League: SSC Napoli vs Liverpool FC
Photo by Cesare Purini/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

The 26-year-old arrived at Anfield short on match fitness, hence his lack of game time.

With Brazil boss Tite opting not to pick Arthur in his latest squad, the player has been looking to get up to speed at Liverpool.

The Juventus loanee played 90 minutes for the Reds’ Under-21 side this past weekend, in the Premier League 2 win over Leicester’s U21s.

Arthur then featured again for the reserves on Tuesday night.

“He has embraced it”

He played just over an hour as one of two permitted overage players in a Liverpool side beaten 1-0 at Rochdale in the EFL Trophy group stage.

And Lewtas has been really impressed by Arthur’s efforts at Kirkby.

“Arthur has been in over the international break to play games and build up his fitness,” Lewtas told the .

“That’s off his own back, so that shows his level of professionalism.

“He has been great with the lads as well. He has been first-class.

Liverpool Unveil New Signing Arthur Melo
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“In training on Monday he was excellent, he really drove the lads and as a matchday minus one, it’s probably the best one we’ve had.

“He wants to get fit, he doesn’t need a week off, so it’s come from him.

“He doesn’t speak Scouse and I don’t speak Portuguese, but I think you can tell from the body language.

“In the meetings we went through some extra things and cleared a few things up. He has embraced it.

“He first trained with us on Friday. He trained with the first team, and then he had a session with us for the team that was going to play against Leicester.

“He’ll do a little work with us during the international break.”