TTLB Opinion: Barcelona star could prove to be Tottenham Hotspur’s fix to losing Cristian Romero

There is a need for restructuring the defensive line at Hotspur Way when the upcoming summer transfer window comes along, and the North Londoners could explore a move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo as Daniel Levy looks to add depth and quality into the heart of defence this off-season.

We have seen how the North Londoners suffered duly at the back in the ongoing campaign; there certainly arises a need to sign ceiling-raising players who can ensure that Ange Postecoglou & Co can maintain the needed quality at the back. Moreover, the fact that the North Londoners’ star defender Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from Hotspur Way makes it a more intriguing prospect to sign a new centre-back.

Now if they are to bring in someone who can take the Argentine’s place in the roster, they have to be high potential, and Araujo is just that given how he is elite in duels and has that aerially dominant trait about him. Moreover, we have seen how he takes up space intelligently during defensive transitions, making him ideal for the North Londoners. The South American also thrives in a high-defensive line system but excels mostly in man-orientated defending, where he uses physicality, anticipation, and aggression over ball progression.

If Daniel Levy is looking to bring in a Romero-type player who possesses that fearlessness and is physical and aggressive in how he goes about things, then Araujo would be among the top options, especially when you add the elite presence that he brings in recovery roles and the leadership ability that he carries. But if the North Londoners are looking to evolve more into a build-from-back side that is looking for positional control of possession, then Araujo may fall short given his problems in first-phase passing and composure under pressure.

Let’s put the basics into the tactical strengths and weaknesses of the Barcelona man

Araujo is somebody who is world-class when it comes to 1v1 defending and has those aerial capabilities (he can also solve the problems that the North Londoners are having at defending and clearing set pieces). Moreover, his recovery pace allows the North Londoners to hold a high line of defence, knowing that there is somebody equally capable as Micky van de Ven to get through and recover the ball. Moreover, his controlled aggression means he can also play front-footedly like Romero. And lastly, we have seen how he has that big-game mentality, which fits finely with Postecoglou’s “bravery” philosophy.

Araujo is someone who is good at neutralises threats and the North Londoners could use him when Van de Ven is isolated.

That being said, he is not a good progressive passer of the ball and he prefers more simple outlets and this could limit the North Londoners in the first phases against high-pressing sides. And this has a domino effect as well, he will be susceptible to pressing traps. See Araujo is not press-resistant with his first phase plays like John Stones or Piero Hincapie (the other two options we explored deeply before) and his ball progression is functional (not elegant like Romero).

Araujo and his role at Tottenham

If Romero ends up leaving the North Londoners, then Araujo would be a direct positional replacement defensively, even if the technical ceiling when compared to the Argentine could end up being slightly lower. The Uruguayan could end up forming a balanced pairing with Van de Ven (pacer + physical protector).

If we speak of it in terms of structure (the Lilywhites currently operate in 2-3-5 offensively), here the Barcelona man will act as the wide CB, covering the right flank when Porro pushes high. His responsibilities won’t involve initiating deep buildup, but he will have to hold the line and cover in recovery phases.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• TTLB Opinion: Is Postecoglou the reason behind Maddison’s underwhelming season at Tottenham?
• TTLB Opinion: Tottenham target Branthwaite and Guehi – but who makes more sense?
• TTLB Opinion: Should Tottenham be worried about Van de Ven to Real Madrid or is it all agent talks?

Author Opinion

If we compare all the key metrics between Araujo and Romero, then the former is quite close to what Romero is doing at Tottenham – possibly the closest we have come given the other centre-backs we have looked at. And given the financial state at Barcelona, a hefty bid will force them to consider a possible sale.