Ronald Araujo makes Barcelona admission following Bayern interest
Cameron Smith
- 3 Dec 2023 17:40 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has admitted that he doesn’t like playing at right-back, but has insisted that he is willing to perform that role when necessary.
The Uruguay international has mostly been used as a centre-back during his Barca career, but Xavi has tended to deploy Araujo at right-back whenever they face Real Madrid - in order to deal with Vinicius Junior.
That plan has worked for the most part, with Araujo often winning his 1v1 duel against the tricky Brazilian winger.
However, he has now revealed that he doesn’t particularly like playing as a full-back. He told beIN Sports ahead of Barcelona’s crucial LaLiga game against Atletico Madrid: “The truth is, I don’t like playing as a right-back. That’s the reality.
"But I always say, wherever the coach and the team ask me, I’m going to play and give my best, but obviously I feel very comfortable playing as a centre-back because it’s my natural position and it is where I can give 100%.”
Araujo isn’t the only Barcelona player who prefers playing in central defence. Jules Kounde spent the majority of his debut campaign at Camp Nou being used at right-back, while his natural position is in the middle of a back four, and he has also admitted that he wants to play at centre-back.
Bayern want Araujo
According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, the German record champions have enquired about Ronald Araujo and the Uruguayan would be keen on the move, he claims.
The Bavarians are said to be long-time admirers of the 24-year-old, having monitored him for the past two years. Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for a move, but it is unlikely that any potential pursuit will end in success.
He is a crucial cog in Barcelona's team and the Blaugrana have absolutely no intention of letting him go. On the contrary, they are intent on extending his deal which currently runs until 2026.
