People should understand that football is a team sport, and if a team loses, it’s not because of a certain individual. For Barcelona, Ronald Araujo is one of those players who don’t just defend the goal but define an era. He is not just an ordinary presence at the back; he is a symbol of loyalty, strength, and quiet leadership during one of the club’s most uncertain periods.
The Wall for Years
When Araujo was allowed to play for the first team, he wasn’t surrounded by legendary figures who could guide him overall or a team full of confidence. He arrived during a financial crisis, managerial changes, and unimaginable departures. Yet, he was one of the most crucial players at that time. He was a strong personality, being our wall through the tough times. He often helped the team with last-minute tackles, fearless clearances, and the passion Barcelona fans want in their players.
The Downfall
But this season was a test for our Uruguayan wall.
I have noticed a certain double standard implemented by football fans. If a team plays good football and wins all the games, all the players get appreciation, but if the team loses one out of many games, only one player gets all the criticism. Why is that?
This same situation was replicated with Araujo in the past two seasons. Last season was a catastrophe for Barcelona but they reached the Champions League quarter-finals where they lost to PSG after Araujo’s controversial red card. This season Araujo’s role fluctuated in the team between injuries because of the sudden rise of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo’s blistering form. Araujo was again the target of the critics in this season’s Champions League semi-final game against Inter Milan.
With Araujo’s downfall, many questions arose about his future at the club. Araujo was on the verge of leaving the club in January, but he reevaluated his decision and kept his interests aside to complete the club’s incredible season.
Araujo’s Future?
But despite all the hate and rumors, Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, made it clear. Speaking openly about the Uruguayan’s future, he said:
This is a clear message from Flick which may contradict the interests of fans who want the Uruguayan to leave. But Flick is a personality who knows what is right and wrong for the club. Flick’s statement didn’t just back Araujo, it confirmed that Araujo is a crucial part of this defense.
Despite Araujo’s defensive blunders, fans should understand that every defender experiences seasons like these. We have seen greats like Pique, Ramos, Puyol, and many legendary names who stood back after poor seasons, Araujo could do the same. There is no denying the fact that Araujo’s impact when fit has never been in doubt. He brings a proper old-school defender personality of physicality, aerial dominance, and willingness which Barcelona lacked for years.
A New Solution
Araujo should stay at the club, he is an important asset who could help us for long-term success. At just 26, he is one of the four captains in our squad. In addition to this, he is a La Masia product. I want a player who bleeds for the badge like Araujo to stay and succeed.
We all are aware that one of the reasons Araujo couldn’t make it into the starting XI this season was due to Cubarsi’s and Inigo’s excellent duo. I want Flick to use Araujo at the right-back position also helping Kounde with rest. Currently, Barcelona’s only right-back is Kounde, he plays all the games for 90 minutes without any rest. Playing Araujo at that position would allow Flick to rotate the squad in each game. We have seen Araujo play at the right-back position under Xavi where he did a great job.
With Flick’s guidance and Araujo’s determination, he could be a great option for that position. This can also help the club to dismiss any transfer target at that position. This is my personal opinion, what do you guys think?