No more offsides trap Hansi working on a new playing style

coached FC Barcelona has had their own preferred type of player. For a long time, the club’s focus was on the ball skills and technical abilities of La Masia’s top prospects. However, it seems there is now a subtle shift in the club’s philosophy.

While Barcelona’s youth teams still follow traditional methods, the first team under coach Hansi Flick has begun to embrace a more direct and efficient style of play. The team now relies more on power and speed to break down opponents, which has resulted in a resurgence of several players. But among the defenders, one player stands out as being especially well-suited to Flick’s vision.

Uruguayan center-back Ronald Araujo, who is close to returning from injury, would provide the perfect mix of strength, physicality, and speed that Flick values in his defenders. While both Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi offer unique qualities, Araujo seems like an ideal fit on paper. However, his ball-playing ability doesn’t quite match that of the two Spaniards. As noted by SPORT, Flick is working closely with Araujo to develop this aspect of his game.

This weakness was exposed by Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain in the past, and Flick is keen to ensure Araujo learns from those lessons. The German coach has been deeply involved in Araujo’s recovery and reportedly sees him as a key player in his plans for the future.