FC Barcelona have not yet signed a right-back despite the club coming into this summer transfer window with the aim of strengthening this area of the team.
While the club is still trying to land a competent player for this position, Xavi will have to use the resources available to him to solve this dilemma.
Barcelona’s opening match of La Liga has not served to clear the air about whom Xavi will use as a right-back in the absence of a natural player in this position available to him.
Last season, Jules Kounde was the player who played in this position for most of the matches, but the match against Getafe saw Araujo slot in on the flank.
In a recent report, SPORT also argues that Araujo and Kounde seem to have switched roles this season. It was reported previously that Kounde preferred to play in the center of the defense, and the match against Getafe also showed that he has a higher ceiling as a center-back than as a right-back.
However, playing Kounde in the center means Xavi will have to play Araujo on the flank up to the moment till Barcelona get a competent natural right-back. Araujo is a very astute defender, but his attacking game is not as polished as that of Kounde.
Meanwhile, Xavi has been forced to balance the two players for these two positions, and his decisions depend on what set-up helps Barcelona the most.
The Barcelona head coach has also spoken to both the players, and there is a consensus that Araujo can play on the flank going forward. However, the best way forward for the club remains the incorporation of a natural and competent right-back.
If the Catalans can end up getting Joao Cancelo in the remaining days of the transfer window, Xavi can use both Kounde and Araujo in the middle of the backline.
Both these players complement each other and can build a top defensive line for Barcelona, while not compromising on the attacking output coming from the right flank.
