A 'warning' for Ronald Araujo from Xavi
The Uruguayan centre-back has a deal which expires in 2023 and there are plenty of interested clubs
It’s no secret that Ronald Araujo has grown hugely since Xavi’s arrival. The coach has hailed it himself, saying he’s the player that’s developed the most since he took over. Strong, one of the best at marking, a born competitor. But if anyone thinks he’s 100 per cent nailed in place then the coach has made it clear that is not the case.
Against Galatasaray the defender was taken off at the break after struggling to bring the ball out effectively, with Pique on for him. Domenec Torrent left Araujo with the ball at his feet and it was working.
He’s still very important but after Eric’s good game against Osasuna, it’s clear he won’t accept a substitute role. He had gone three games without a minute and now he’s started two in a row, with two clean sheets. Xavi’s message in this sense is that Pique and Araujo might be the partnership in the biggest games but Eric is there and is a valid option, depending on the profile of the opponent.
Meanwhile, Araujo’s rental is still cogged up. Barcelona’s coach is not worried about it but the player has some juicy offers and we will see if Barcelona are capable of reaching an agreement with him economically. For now, a tense kind of calm.
