Barcelona fans still have those memories of days when their midfield was the envy of the whole Europe with the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez dominating and frustrating the opposition at the center of the field.

Since both players left, the club have been unable to get back to it’s best in midfield.

Iniesta and Xavi were both products of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and attempts to replicate them from La Masia hasn’t paid off, forcing the club to look to Brazil where they signed Arthur Melo.

Arthur’s playing style has been compared to Xavi, even though he has always said Iniesta as his idol.

The Brazilian recently met with the great Iniesta, and admitted he had to make sure he had flesh and blood running through his veins.

Arthur told Mundo Deportivo: “I have watched Iniesta since I was a child, he is an idol to me.”

“It was an incredible moment (when I met him).”

“I got goosebumps.”

“I did not know who was coming and it was a fantastic surprise.”

“He received me very well. I thank you for being so simple with me, I will be marked for life.

“For me, Xavi and Iniesta were the best flyers I saw playing.”

“I wish him more years of career because I can continue learning from him, but if he retires this summer, with certainty, he will also be a crack as a coach.”

Arthur wears Iniesta’s Number 8 at Barcelona.

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