Ronald Araujo picked up a hamstring tendon injury during the Copa America in July and Barca faced a defensive crisis. Luckily for them up stepped Inigo Martinez and so far this season he has been exceptional under Hansi Flick. During this time there were many negative rumours about the young centre-back. He was thought to have planned to move away from the club and that Barca was planning to sell him. However, the player has denied all such accusations and plans to stay at Barca for a long time.
Back from injury and ready to play
The Uruguayan is now ready to play for Hansi Flick and is expected to make his return to the pitch soon. He is expected to make a strong partnership with Cubarsi or Inigo Martinez at the back. His relationship and chemistry with Jules Kounde is no secret either.
A blessing for Hansi Flick in desperate times
Hansi Flick has struggled in the last 2 months with his defense. The backline of Barca had been successful as they played higher up the pitch to trap opponents in the offside trap. However, teams have started to figure out answers to this tactic and Barca can not stop conceding goals. Teams now make runs through their midfielders rather than front 3 to avoid the offside trap. This means Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have to sprint back to catch up although it has stopped working because they have to accelerate when the runners are already at full speed.
This is where Ronald Araujo comes in, he is a strong but most importantly fast CB who can replace Inigo Martinez. Inigo is not young enough to sprint at the required speed and the busy schedule has worn him out. Araujo can bring fresh legs and fresh hopes to the squad and make Inaiki Pena’s goal more secure.
