The unique benefits that Ronald Araujo’s return offers to Barcelona | OneFootball

A constant theme for FC Barcelona this season has been managing resources efficiently. While it is true that the Catalan giants have a talented squad, the availability of every player has not been a constant. In fact, even now, Hansi Flick has had to overextend several Barcelona players without much rest.

While this has managed to work out well so far this season and in an impressive way, there are some definite risks that need to be avoided. At any given point of any game, each and every player is at risk of getting injured or becoming the victim of an overload in their muscles.

Fortunately for Hansi Flick, he will soon see many previously injured players return. Ansu Fati will reportedly have the green light for the game against Leganes, and Ronald Araujo’s involvement in the next game has already been confirmed by Hansi Flick.

However, there are some unique benefits that Araujo’s return will bring alongside it. As highlighted by SPORT, these benefits are quite impactful both in a directly performance-related sense as well as in an emotional and sentimental way too.

Firstly, Araujo’s return will finally allow the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez to get some much-needed rest. Both Spaniards have been Flick’s go-to defensive centre-back pairing this season and due to a lack of alternatives most of the time, they have played a lot of football without any breaks in between.

Secondly, the Uruguayan defender will also allow Jules Kounde to play with more freedom and more chances to rest. Given that Araujo is capable of playing as a right-back, his presence alone gives Kounde some extra breathing room and Hansi Flick could even give him some extra rest.

Lastly, the Barcelona centre-back is the team’s official second captain after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Due to the absence of the German goalkeeper following his injury and Araujo’s unavailability as well, Raphinha has been the man to take that responsibility as the third captain and he has been doing well because of his competitive character.

However, Araujo’s return will allow the Brazilian forward to have a player who shares that kind of a strong character. While Araujo will likely become the player to take the captain’s armband until Ter Stegen returns, having both the Uruguayan and the Brazilian together on the field could be a great boost for Barcelona.