Hansi Flick could turn to €35m Barcelona player for Anti-Vinicius role against Real Madrid

FC Barcelona had been in a position to dispel many of the doubts about their kind of their final UEFA Champions League encounter towards Olympiacos, which led to a 6-1 win for themand might be going into the upcoming La Liga conflict towards Actual Madrid with their spirits considerably restored.

Moreover, Hansi Flick may also have a number of of his gamers again accessible for this recreation. Ferran Torres already made the squad for the sport towards Olympiacoswith out taking part in any minutes, whereas Raphinha has additionally rejoined the group in coaching. Equally, Andreas Christensen may also be accessible after lacking the final recreation as a result of sickness.

With Christensen’s restoration, Flick can have his total defensive unit at his disposal for the primary time in a number of weeks. This contains Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde, and Gerard Martin. Academy defenders comparable to Jofre and Xavi Espart may be thought-about if the German coach needs to broaden his choices.

Curiously, as SPORT has famous, Araujo didn’t begin within the midweek Champions League match, which might point out that Flick was preserving him for the Clásico.

The €35 million-rated Uruguayan has typically been a key determine on this fixture, identified for his potential to restrict Vinicius Junior’s affect. Below Xavi, Araujo was continuously deployed on the precise aspect of protection to comprise the Brazilian ahead, and Flick would possibly think about an analogous method, even when he has not but used the defender in that place this season.

On the identical time, Actual Madrid’s attacking menace now extends past Vinicius. Kylian Mbappe’s devastating runs behind the protection have change into a defining function of Madrid’s play, which makes Araujo’s athleticism much more invaluable. His presence might show essential in managing these harmful transitions.

To date this season, Araujo has began six matches for Barcelona and has additionally made an influence in assault, scoring twice in La Liga, together with a dramatic last-minute winner towards Girona. Nonetheless, his distribution from the again stays an space of concern, as opponents who press aggressively can typically pressure him into shedding possession in harmful areas.

That’s the reason Flick’s last name is way from sure. Eric Garcia provides superior ball distribution and a calmer presence when constructing from the again, which might make him the popular companion for Cubarsi in a system that wishes to play out by way of the centre.

Jules Kounde additionally stays a stable possibility on the precise flank because of his stability of defensive self-discipline and talent to step ahead.

Briefly, Flick can select to revive Xavi’s Anti Vinicius plan and deploy Araujo in a extra particular containment function, or he can prioritise ball development and defensive stability with an Eric Garcia and Cubarsi pairing and Kounde on the precise.

With three days of preparation forward, it stays to be seen which route Flick will take. The selection will inform us whether or not Barcelona purpose to smother Actual Madrid’s vast threats with physicality or to match them with composure and management from the again.