In the Clásico against Madrid, Ronald Araujo is back to confirm what we all already know: that he is solvent, very reliable when entrusted with defensive responsibilities. Xavi repeated his League Classic strategy in placing him as a side to cover Vinicius. In March, the day of 0-4, it was a surprise, because All the world I took it for granted that Alves would play. In Las Vegas it was no longer a surprise, but Araujo doubled the bet: just not covered Vinicius, but he ‘eats’ Rüdiger.
The German defender position as a left-back he was the big surprise in Ancellotti’s line-up. The former Chelsea player is quite good defensively, but the moment he thinks to move forward through the lines and go out to explore the flank, that’s where he finds himself with a difficult stumbling block even for him.
Araujo showed some difficulty when it comes to the ball, sure, but when it comes to defensive work, he’s a real bastion. Not only that, but his thrust was dressing Madrid’s entire left wing. Araujo is a solution for those problems Xavi might have On the right side, he showed more solvency as a central defender than on the flank.
Like the Great Captain
In this sense, it is a case comparable to Puyol. The legendary former captain went down in history as one of the best defenders of the club, for his honor and because he became a titan. The surprising thing is that in grassroots football he is a striker, in the first team Van Gaal installed him as a scoring winger and, eventually, he became one of the best central defenders in Barcelona’s history. He also turned a winger into a central defender. Saving distances, like Araujo: he started in Uruguay as a striker and because of the needs of his team and because of his physique he moved to center back. There he stayed and now he is also shown as a lateral. The comparison to Puyol is bold, but after three seasons marking the line in defense, Ronald can be said to be a reality.
Another aspect where Araujo is a beast is the so-called intangibles. His stamp on the tangana, which became too much for the Madrid players, even for Rüdiger, whom he tried to block, was above all respect.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
