Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has openly acknowledged his discomfort with playing as a right-back but has expressed his commitment to giving his best in any role assigned to him.
Primarily a centre-back, Araujo found himself occasionally deployed on the right side of defense last season and has continued to fill that role more frequently this year, featuring in his last three La Liga matches as a full-back.
Although Araujo admitted that he does not derive enjoyment from playing as a right-back, the Uruguayan international emphasized his willingness to contribute wherever the team needs him. He stated, “The truth is, I don’t like playing as a right-back. That’s the reality. But I always say, wherever the coach and the team ask me, I’m going to play and give my best, but obviously I feel very comfortable playing as a centre-back because it’s my natural position and it is where I can give 100%.”
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Araujo’s situation mirrors that of Jules Kounde, another natural centre-back at Barcelona, who spent a significant portion of the previous season playing on the right despite his preference for a central role. This season, Kounde has enjoyed more time in his preferred central position and expressed contentment with the tactical shift, stating, “I am happy because I am playing in my position… At centre-back, I can bring more to the team, and I am more comfortable, but I would never refuse to play at right-back.”