Ronald Araujo: Barcelona’s Defensive Rock and Sergio Ramos’ Unlikely Influence
Barcelona has been showcasing an incredible defensive record this season, conceding just eight goals in La Liga. Even more impressively, only one of those goals was scored at Camp Nou, thanks to a Joselu Mato penalty for Espanyol. The Catalan giants have been able to achieve this feat partly due to the unlikely influence of Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.
Barcelona’s standout player this season has undoubtedly been Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan central defender has been solving all of Xavi Hernandez’s problems, shutting down the biggest threats of the opposition every week. However, Araujo’s journey to become a top defender was not an easy one.
According to Marca, Araujo was rejected by Uruguayan giants Penarol at the age of nine. He went back to his hometown to try again as a footballer and made his debut at 16. At 18, Araujo signed for Barcelona, going into the Barca Atletic side. Other clubs, including Real Madrid, were interested in him, but the Blaugrana took the plunge.
When Araujo arrived at Barcelona, he had plenty to work on. Xavi Hernandez referred to him as his most improved player, but few would have expected the way in which he was instructed to improve. The Barcelona coaches advised him to watch Sergio Ramos to improve his heading of the ball.
Ramos is known for his ability to attack the ball and has defined the 2010s with his leaping headers and heroic defending over the years. Araujo has incorporated this skill into his own game, and it’s evident in the fact that he’s the one Barcelona sends forward when they’re desperately in need of a goal.
Despite the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, there is an appreciation for Ramos’ qualities within the coaching staff at Barcelona. Many Barcelona fans may not be fans of Ramos, but his skills and influence are undeniable. By watching and learning from one of the best defenders in the game, Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona and a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
