Barcelona’s Uruguayan wall and skipper, Ronald Araujo, is battling for his place under Hansi Flick. The defender has always been a first-choice at Barca but has suddenly been getting sidelined. He might be even below Eric Garcia in the pecking order right now. Do his abilities clash with Flick’s demands? The summer transfer window is nearby. Will Araujo reclaim his spot or seek greener meadows?
A Barca Captain at Fourth Choice? Has Araujo Fallen Out of Flick’s Plans?
Ronald Araujo has fallen from grace as Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have established dominance at the backline this season. Once, he was the primary defensive anchor of the Catalans, but now he trails behind not two but three defenders. Why? It’s just because Flick prefers ball-playing defenders rather than physicality.
But here’s the rub: Leadership and tenacity aren’t abilities you can infuse in a player. Araujo possesses both, and recent defensive woes at Barca’s backline might be a signal that the Catalan backline is missing the Uruguayan gorilla.
Flick’s Tactical Approach Regards Araujo’s Physicality Out of Fashion?
Flick’s Barca has been a team reborn. The German has focused on fluid, technical and relentless gameplays. But his plans do not involve Araujo’s bruising tackles or ferocious aerial dominance. Time and time again, we have seen Flick preferring the Cubarsi-Inigo duo over Araujo due to their strong build-ups from the back.
However, Flick should also know that raw physicality still wins titles and is certainly not out of fashion. Tough clasico or K-O games when stakes are high, the physicality will win you games. Young Cubarsi, Inigo or Garcia might thread amazing forward passes, but can they match the strong Vinicius and Mbappe’s powerful footrace? I think not. Araujo’s strengths are being wasted and it is time for Flick to give him more playing time.
The €65 Million Clause: Will Araujo’s Barcelona Journey End This Summer?
Araujo renewed with Barca last month, returning from the verge of a Juventus move. However, his €65 million release clause is scaringly low for his worth. Is this a signal of a potential move for Ronald in the coming summer?
Losing Araujo at only 65 million will surely be a massive loss for the Catalans, and in today’s market, where Harry Maguire costs 85 million, Araujo’s deal would be a bargain for other clubs. It’s time that Barcelona convinces him that he is an integral part of Flick’s project and culers appreciate his grit.
At only 25, Araujo is too young to rot on the bench and deserves more. The player is at his absolute prime, and all his years of development will go to waste if the Catalans lose him this summer. Flick must compromise or tweak his plans a little bit to incorporate Araujo into the team; otherwise, it would be a shame.