Xavi’s big Clasico dilemma for Real Madrid clash

Ronald Araujo has been one of the main protagonists of the last few Clasicos. The Uruguayan has established himself as Xavi Hernandez's big bet to play right-back to stop Vinicius and now the coach will have to decide, after the incorporation of Joao Cancelo, whether to maintain this bet or change his cards.

The emergence of the Portuguese, who has been one of the best players in the season so far, has been key to raising the team's competitive level. Xavi needed a specialist at right-back and Cancelo is one of the best in the world in his position and is proving it.

However, the Portuguese stands out more for his offensive qualities, as he breaks into spaces that are unusual for full-backs, especially in inside areas. And this, which is so positive because from his boots come great dangerous plays that end in goals, has a negative side too, which is that he can generate defensive problems behind him and, as the coach acknowledged, this is something they are working on because they are conceding more goals than last season, with Ter Stegen making history. The Araujo option, with Cancelo in midfield to boost the attack, would be precisely to reinforce the defensive phase with Vinicius who has come back strong after injury, with two goals in the last three league games. However, the absence of Koundé also means that Xavi needs the Uruguayan to lead in the centre of the defence with Christensen, although Iñigo Martínez put in a great performance against Athletic.

The coach has several options, but for now he has been clear: "This is not the time for testing or doing strange things. It's time to be practical so that our model of play can be seen. We're not going to make any major changes. What we've been doing is working well. We have to go the way we've been going and not try too much".