While FC Barcelona have been conceding some goals in their last few games, there is no doubt that the Catalans have one of the best backlines in Europe. The defense already won the club a league title last season, and the club has further bolstered this area of the team in the summer.
Last season, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, and Balde were key for Barcelona as they had a successful season under Xavi. Now, Inigo Martinez and Joao Cancelo have also joined the club’s ranks to further strengthen the defense and help the club compete for all the major trophies.
De Jong has high expectations for Araujo
Among these defenders in the Barcelona squad, Ronald Araujo is one of the most exciting and most beloved by the fans of the Catalan club. The Uruguayan defender has been unlucky as he got injured after the first match of the season against Getafe, but has now recovered and is back with the first team.
Having debuted with Barcelona in 2019, Araujo has gathered praise from highly varied quarters for his defensive abilities. As SPORT reports, the latest to show his admiration for the center-back is the Dutch forward Luuk De Jong, who played for Barcelona on loan during the 2021-22 season under Ronald Koeman. De Jong had the following to say about his former teammate:
“Ronald Araújo is going to be the best defender in the world. When I played for Sevilla, he made his debut against us. Immediately, I thought: He will be a star. He is fast, strong, and good with the ball.”
Araujo and De Jong in action in the UCL
Luuk de Jong was able to score a goal from the penalty spot as his current side, PSV Eindhoven, drew their Champions League match against his former side Sevilla. Meanwhile, Araujo himself will be looking to get back into action in the UEFA Champions League tonight against Porto.
