Julian Araujo compared to Barcelona legend as Mexico star given glowing report

James Shearman

• Updated: 18 Feb 2023 14:12 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona signing Julian Araujo has been compared to a legend of the club by his former boss.

''He is a phenomenal athlete,'' said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. ''He’s still young but he has some growing to do.

''He reminds me a little bit of a Jordi Alba, who has loads of pace and speed, can get up and down the flank tirelessly.''

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Unfortunately for Barcelona, Araujo will not be a direct replacement for 33-year-old left-back Jordi Alba as he plays on the right side.

But there is no harm in following in the footsteps of the Spain international, who has won everything for the Catalan club.

''He’s competitive: he’s probably one of the most competitive players that I’ve been around, in terms of defensive competitiveness,'' Vanney added.

''He’s a guy who’s very dynamic, getting himself into the attack, he’s going to add an extra number in terms of the amount of possession Barcelona typically has in games, a guy like Julian can then arrive into attacks and get himself into crossing positions, almost at will.''

Barcelona's registration problem

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo but he won’t be able to play for the club until next season.

Araujo was denied a move to Barca on transfer deadline day after paperwork was filed 18 seconds after the window closed due to the delay in selling Hector Bellerin, who eventually moved to Sporting Lisbon.

Barca are appealing to see if they can register Araujo this season but he will train with the ‘B’ team under Rafa Marquez in the meantime.

Barcelona Atletic boss Marquez said: ''They’ve already been watching him since before I arrived. Now this situation has arisen and I’m delighted.

''He’s going to be with me for a while and then move on to the first-team. He’ll be able to integrate bit by bit, and hopefully have a nice career here.''