Julián Araujo Aces Exam Against Nico Williams
Despite his team’s defeat against Athletic, the Mexican player once again showcased remarkable defensive solidity. Julián, set to return to Barça next season, continues to impress under the guidance of García Pimienta. All eyes were on Julián Araujo as the news broke that he would be part of Barça’s squad next season. This Sunday, Las Palmas faced Athletic Club in a demanding duel, not only for García Pimienta’s team but also for the full-back tasked with stopping one of the league’s most influential players: Nico Williams. Despite his team’s loss, Araujo emerges strengthened after successfully containing the speedy winger. Julián, who returned to the starting lineup last week against Getafe, faced the challenging task of dealing with Nico Williams, which he accomplished through excellent positioning and avoiding abrupt challenges. Even in open-field situations, the Mexican defended with composure. While Nico ended the match with an assist, Araujo wasn’t at fault for the 0-1 action involving the Barcelona-owned player. Instrumental in multiple defensive actions, Araujo demonstrated that his priority in his first LaLiga season is maintaining his reputation as a reliable defensive player. In attack, Julián opted not to complicate things, playing simple and nearly error-free. A second-half loss was the only blemish in his performance. Surviving encounters with Rodrygo and Vinicius Earlier in the second half, the Mexican international prevented a clear goal, a feat he has repeated several times this season, showcasing his speed and excellent correction abilities. In the final 10 minutes, García Pimienta substituted him, aiming to add more attackers. With his convincing display against Nico, Araujo confirmed that his defensive intensity could be a valuable asset for Barça next year. At the beginning of the season, the Mexican effectively defended against Rodrygo and Vinicius in the Real Madrid-Las Palmas clash. The young player’s goal in the coming months should be to gain more confidence and boldness in attack.
