Barcelona vice-captain sends positive signal to Flick with latest national team display | OneFootball

With the departure of Inigo Martinez to Saudi Arabia in the last summer transfer window, the Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo has another chance to regain a starting spot at FC Barcelona.

He started the first two games of the season, but his performances fell short, and he was consequently benched for the match against Rayo Vallecano.

This relegation to the bench must have been a blow for the center-back, but, as SPORT has noted, the recent international break may have given him the perfect opportunity to reset.

Under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance, Araujo produced a solid display for Uruguay in their 0-0 draw against Chile in Santiago.

Having missed the previous match against Peru through suspension, Araujo returned to the line-up and played the full 90 minutes.

Uruguayan outlet Ovación praised his composure, noting that he was the main outlet in building from the back, reliable in aerial duels, and confident in his passing.

Despite Chile still fighting for a World Cup spot, which they ultimately failed to secure, Araujo handled the pressure with assurance.

The performance comes at a crucial time. Araujo had looked shaky in Barcelona’s clash against Levante, which contributed to him and Pau Cubarsi being benched in Vallecas. Eric Garcia and Christensen got the nod instead, intensifying the competition for places in central defense.

Now, with Christensen in good form and Cubarsi and Garcia also pushing for minutes, Araujo faces a battle to win back his starting spot.

Still, Bielsa’s influence appears to have restored his confidence on the ball, something Hansi Flick will be keen to see replicated in Barcelona colors as the team prepares for Sunday’s clash against Valencia.