Ronald Araújo’s return triggers fierce CB competition at Barcelona, But Hansi Flick has his leader locked in | OneFootball

FC Barcelona for the first time in a long while have an almost fully fit squad, with the exception of the likes of Ferran Torres and Andreas Christensen, both of whom should not be far away from returning to the mix.

The two long-term injuries the club is currently managing are to club captain Marc-André ter Stegen and highly-rated La Masia product Marc Bernal. However, Hansi Flick will breathe a sigh of relief with the majority of his players returning to action, bolstering his squad for the season ahead.

Ronald Araújo made a successful return from injury, making his season debut against UD Barbastro and playing the entire 90 minutes. The Uruguayan warrior also wore the armband on the night and his leadership was visible.

So far this season, Hansi Flick’s go-to partnership at the back has been Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez and everyone wants to know how the dynamics would change now that Araújo is back. Interestingly, it was the Spanish veteran who partnered with the Uruguayan from the start last night.

Now, as per SPORT, Hansi Flick is very clear that Pau Cubarsí will be the number one name in the center-back position for him and the other contenders will have to fight for the other spot in the backline.

Ultimately, one would have to assume that Ronald Araújo will establish himself as the sure-shot starter alongside Pau Cubarsí but for now, the Uruguayan might have to fight with Iñigo Martínez to secure his spot in Flick’s team.

What Cubarsí brings to the table is quite unique. At just 17, he is one of the best ball-playing center-backs in the world and his ability to break lines with passes under pressure is something that is very crucial to how Flick’s team plays.

However, with more center-back options available now, Flick will have the opportunity to rotate Cubarsí, especially considering his age. Let’s wait and see how things play out with respect to these dynamics at Barcelona in the coming months and how Hansi Flick handles the situation.