Barcelona have a renewal offer for Ronald Araujo ready

Xavi Hernandez bet on three centre backs against Benfica and Ronald Araujo was one of those chosen. He needed a fast defender, decisive, and who better than the Uruguayan to do that?

The 22 year old had a fine game. Quick in all his actions, far superior to the Benfica forwards and scored, but it was offside. HE recovered nine balls, cleared it seven times and didn’t lose any battles. 

“He’s an excellent defender, he was when he arrived at Barcelona,” said Garcia Pimienta while coaching the B team. “He’s fast, strong, divisive, aggressive, good in the air.

“He reminds me of Puyol. It’s hard to beat him in a dribble, but if a forward manages it he can shoot quickly. If not, he’ll have him back in front of him in a second. In open space he’s unbeatable because he’s so fast, quicker than Puyol. When he runs beside you it’s like a buffalo!” 

Araujo has improved a lot with his feet since arriving. “He really wanted to learn. He watched videos, and improved bringing the ball out so much that we thought he would make it. And there he is. He should play here all his career. I don’t remember many cases like his. Of a player reaching the first team after being signed for the B team.”

Barcelona are preparing a contract renewal for him, with his current deal ending in 2023, including a pay raise. The idea is to meet his representative Flavio Perchman in a few weeks to make the offer. They are confident Araujo wants to stay and is grateful for them taking a chance on him in 2018 for 1.7m from Boston River.