A few thoughts on Araújo-
I have a pretty good knowledge of European football. But I must profess I know next to nothing on this lad.
Which is proper mad given not only the amount of games he’s played for Barcelona. 213 through the last 7 seasons. But also the fact he’s their club captain!
Madly cramming in some research overnight, he seems a really astute pick-up that gives the club really experienced breathing room over the next season. With the option of longer if he’s a success. And, although he could be better on the ball, he looks a perfect fit for Iraola’s high line/ leaving players 1-on-1 across the park. The main thing that keeps coming up the more informed people you read from Spain, is both his pace and athletic range to be comfortably left on an island covering ground behind him. And the physicality of being one of the best in La Liga in one-on-one situations. He consistently rates as one of the most physical, duel winning, highest ground coveting CH’s anywhere. He also has a really good goals output (27 career goals for club and Country), and seems dominant in the air both ends the park at 6’3. A absolute prerequisite the PL. With a good amount of games at right full too which we’ve been looking for cover at from a CH.
There’s the checkered injury record like. And I love he took time out to realise he needed help when he was struggling mentally. Top respect to him there for both recognising that, and putting his mental wellbeing first. And his decision making can seemingly be rash at times.
But overall, this seems the perfect solution to the CH/ RB hybrid in getting such an experienced, veteran leader who’s played regularly on the European stage for one of the biggest clubs on the planet and won big trophies. Who has the perfect skill set for what Andoni runs. With the icing on the cake an option, not obligation, to buy. So he’d still only be 28 come the end of the season if we exercised that. Well worth the small initial cost of covering his full salary for the year.
Italy truly produces the best defenders on the planet. But Argentina and Uruguay aren’t far behind. I’d
NEVER turn down one of this ilk from any of those Countries.
Really nothing to not like here on the face of it. Really well done Richard Hughes, or whomever has closed this with Barcelona.
Liverpool look to have boxed real clever here from a lot of aspects.
day?
Jacquet does sound promising but a big ask. Gonna watch you guys today before we play psg
