Íñigo Martínez's departure to Al Nassr was initially seen as an opportunity for Ronald Araújo to secure his place in Barça's starting eleven. The Uruguayan center-back, one of the defensive leaders in recent seasons, was, on paper, the natural partner for Pau Cubarsí in the heart of the defense. His leadership, character, and commitment to the club were strong arguments to believe he would be in the starting line-up for the new season.
However, the situation isn't as clear as it seemed. The preseason has allowed Hansi Flick to evaluate all his defenders and determine which profiles best fit his approach. Although Araújo has the trust of the locker room and the fans, the German coach has hinted that he'll prioritize certain attributes in defense that might not favor the Uruguayan.
Competition in the back line
The work of recent weeks has revealed that Andreas Christensen and Eric García have the edge to partner with Cubarsí.Flick values both for their ability to play the ball out accurately and their tactical awareness to position themselves without relying so much on physical contact. These factors align with the idea of a Barça that wants to take risks in the opponent's half and build from the back.
In contrast, Araújo stands out for his power, speed, and strength in one-on-one situations, qualities that've made him shine in high physical demand scenarios. Sometimes these are limited when the team tries to keep possession from the back. The mission for the Uruguayan will be to prove to the coaching staff that he can provide balance without sacrificing the style Flick aims to establish.
A challenge that goes much further
Araújo's role this season won't only have an impact at the club. His performance will also determine his role in the Uruguayan national team, where the competition for a starting spot is equally high. Losing continuity at Barça could reduce his prominence in the national squad, something the player himself will want to avoid at all costs.
Despite the tough competition, the long schedule and the need for rotation will open up opportunities for all defenders. Flick, however, has been clear: the starting spot will be earned week by week and will be reserved for whoever best adapts to the collective idea. For Araújo, the season begins with a demanding challenge and with the obligation to show that he's still indispensable in the blaugrana defense.