Barcelona have completed the signing of Mexican right-back Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy, in a deal worth a reported total package of £3.5 million. The 21-year-old has made 100 appearances for LA Galaxy and is also a part of the Mexican National Team. His arrival at Spotify Camp Nou is expected to shake things up in the right-back position, which has been a problem area for the club in recent times.
Barcelona Add Depth to the Squad With the Addition of Julian Araujo
The Catalans’ Issues at Right-Back
One of the key areas where Barcelona have struggled this season is at the right-back position. The team has been heavily reliant on French international, Jules Kounde, who is a natural centre-back, to fill the void left by the departure of Hector Bellerin and the loan of Sergiño Dest. With Araujo’s arrival, the Blaugrana now has a natural right-back who is comfortable both defensively and offensively.
Julian Araujo’s Versatility Offers Tactical Flexibility
Araujo is known for his pace, athleticism, and physicality, making him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s high-pressing style of play. He is also an excellent tackler and has a high success rate in duels, winning 61.5% of them last season.
While the youngster is primarily a right-back, he has also played as a central defender and a defensive midfielder for his former team. This versatility offers tactical flexibility and provides manager Xavi with the option to switch to a back three or a back four, depending on the opponent and the situation of the game. It also allows Xavi to rest his other players who are comfortable playing in multiple positions.
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In addition to his defensive abilities, the Mexican is also an attacking threat, as he contributed five assists in 33 MLS appearances last season. This showcases his ability to join the attack and create chances for his teammates. Araujo’s attacking abilities will add depth to Barcelona’s squad and provide a different dimension to their play. With his pace and overlapping runs, the La Liga giants can stretch the opposition’s defence and create more space for their attacking players to operate in.
