Barcelona defender, Ronald Araujo, was a striker until age 17
Ronald Araujo, the story behind Barcelona youngster’s stunning goal.
Barcelona played out a draw against Valencia in their last game and the highlight of the match was arguably Lionel Messi’s goal, which took him on par with football legend, Pele. What people saw that night but is not being talked about so much is Barcelona’s second goal. Ronald Araujo scored a stunning goal that night but it is overshadowed by the fact that their overall performance was subpar and also by Messi making another record.
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After a poor first half, the Catalans went into the dressing room, holding on to a 1-1 scoreline. In all fairness, they were lucky to be level. The boys in the blue and red jerseys knew that they had to step up in the second half and centre-back, Araujo, did just that. In the 52nd minute scored a perfect half scissor to put them in the lead.
It was a perfect half volley with which the defender connected sweetly to place the ball at the back of the net. His killer instincts should not be a surprise though as despite being a center-back, he started out as a striker. He was a striker till the age of 17, when his youth coach, seeing his physicality, decided that he would fare much better as a centre-back.
His story is similar to Barcelona legend Carles Puyol, who also started out as a forward, only to realize his talents lay elsewhere. He transformed from a center forward to a centre-back in Barcelona’s youth academy.
Araujo however, came to the Barcelona B side as an already transformed defender but his goal-scoring instincts are still very prevalent. He scored six goals in the B side and his goal against Valencia really showed his hidden talents. Footballers changing their position is nothing new and many went from being defenders to being world-class forwards like Gareth Bale.
At the age of 21, the Uruguayan is yet to unlock his full potential but his story has an uncanny similarity to the Barcelona legend and Koeman has decided to put his trust in the player. He could go on to become one of the greatest at the club should he maintain consistency because that is the key to success for any defender.
Next. Pele’s message for Lionel Messi after equaling record. dark
Should Araujo remain as a defender or move to a striker role?