What's Happening?
Barcelona began their 2025/26 season with a 3-0 victory over RCD Mallorca at San Moix. Ronald Araujo, serving as captain in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, showcased a mixed performance that has left manager Hansi Flick with concerns. Araujo excelled defensively, winning aerial duels and handling one-on-one situations effectively. However, his ability to initiate attacks was questioned, as he struggled with passing accuracy, completing only 81% of his passes and losing possession nine times. His partner, Pau Cubarsi, demonstrated greater composure with a 92% passing accuracy. This performance has highlighted Araujo's ongoing issues with ball distribution, a flaw previously exploited by PSG in the 2024 Champions League quarterfinal.
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Why It's Important?
Araujo's performance is significant as it underscores a potential vulnerability in Barcelona's strategy under Hansi Flick, who aims to dominate possession. If Araujo's distribution issues persist, opponents could exploit this weakness, disrupting Barcelona's gameplay. This situation presents a dilemma for Flick, who may need to reconsider his defensive lineup, potentially opting for players like Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, or Jules Kounde. The ability to effectively build play from the back is crucial for Barcelona's tactical approach, and Araujo's struggles could impact their performance in upcoming matches.
What's Next?
Hansi Flick faces a decision regarding his defensive strategy. He may need to adjust his lineup to address Araujo's distribution issues, possibly pairing Cubarsi with another defender. Flick's decision will be crucial as Barcelona continues to aim for possession-based play. The team's ability to adapt and overcome this challenge will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge in the league.
