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FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has sent a message to head coach Xavi Hernandez about his preferred position in the team.
Araujo is a center-back by default, but he can also be used at right back in crucial matches, such as in the El Clasico against Real Madrid, when Xavi thinks he can stop deadly left wingers like Vinicius Junior.
However, the Uruguay international recently revealed in an interview with beIN Sports that he does not enjoy playing on the right side of the defence.
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23:57 - 01.12.2023
Barcelona set to be without key player for crucial Atletico Madrid clash
The Blaugrana could be without one of their major stars as they host fellow title challengers, Atletico Madrid
Araujo reveals his preferred position
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Speaking ahead of Sunday's must-win La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old defender said, "I don't like to play as a right back, but as a centre back [instead]."
However, Jules Kounde played right back most times in the previous season; however, this season, the roles are flipped.
When Barca played Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday, Araujo took on the role that he does not particularly enjoy, but it helped the team win 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage for the first time since 2021.
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10:43 - 01.12.2023
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Time and where to watch LaLiga game including match preview, team news and predicted lineups
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will clash in a highly anticipated La Liga encounter at Camp Nou on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Araujo could again start at right-back this weekend
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According to several sources, the Uruguayan could again start on the right side of defence to contain Atleti’s dangerous left-winger, Samuel Lino, and the 24-year-old understands how "strong and organised" Diego Simeone’s team can be.
"Antoine Griezmann and [Alvaro] Morata are in excellent condition, and we have to be careful," Araujo said.
Barcelona host Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening, with both teams tied at 31 points, four points behind Real Madrid and Girona, who occupy the top two spots in La Liga.
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23:15 - 01.12.2023
Barcelona loan star Joao Felix accuses Atletico Madrid team mates of hiding from the truth about Simeone's tactics
Joao Felix has continued his criticism of Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone's pattern of play, saying the style in Madrid was not as exciting as in Barcelona
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