How Ronald Araujo Has Instantly Changed FC Barcelona’s Defense

Ronald Araujo has immediately transformed FC Barcelona’s defense upon his return from injury.

The center back committed his future to the Blaugrana last April when penning a four year contract with a €1bn ($1.07bn) release clause that runs until mid-2026.

In recent months, he found himself the subject of a club and country tussle as Barca bickered with Uruguay over his potential invovlement in the 2022 World Cup while recovering from an abductors avulsion knock which meant he missed 12 games from September until the turn of 2023.

The 23-year-old returned to action against Intercity last week, and while he was commended for his performance in the 4-3 win where he scored as well, it was on Sunday night at the Metropolitano that he shone brightest.

A 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid moved the Blaugrana three points clear of Real Madrid at the summit, but Araujo played a role in the victory as vital as that of 22nd-minute goalscorer Ousmane Dembele.

First of all commended for a grounded head tackle true to his Uruguayan garra charrua roots, Araujo saved his best for last with a late block on the line which denied a certain equalizer for Diego Simeone’s men.

Between that, Araujo made another block, two important tackles, was never dribbled past, won all of his aerial duels and all but one of his ground duels.

Also pulling off 87% passing accuracy, Araujo dropped an overall masterclass. He was commended by SPORT for transforming Barca’s defense through aspects such as his physical prowess, which allows him to dominate one-one-ones, and was called an “extraordinary defender” and “great leader” by his coach Xavi Hernandez.

The Catalan daily newspaper also noted how Araujo lets Xavi look at tactical variants such as the 3-2-4-1 that worked with great effect in the opening half hour against Atleti, and the man is question is also forming an impressive defensive partnership with Andreas Christensen.

One day, he is set to do likewise with right back stand-in Jules Kounde, who also excelled in the late Sunday evening match where Barca stamped their tickets as title contenders according to Xavi.