Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly considering a tactical change for their upcoming match against Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. According to a report, Xavi is thinking about using Ronald Araujo as a right-back in order to tackle the threat posed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Araujo, the Uruguayan international, has recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff but has hardly missed a beat since his comeback, slotting in effortlessly and putting in solid displays at the back, particularly in the game against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
While he has been predominantly used in his natural centre-back slot, Xavi has often tended to deploy him out at right-back, as he had done in the Catalans’ 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in La Liga in the last season. The move proved to be an excellent tactical decision by the manager as he had utterly neutralised the threat carried by Vinicius and the Barcelona legend is planning to use the same strategy on Sunday.
That would lead to Jules Kunde and Andreas Christensen as the centre-backs, even though the former has done well in the right-back position in the current season. It looks like Xavi is also planning to use a 4 man Midfield which he previously used against Athletico Madrid.
This could mean a return of Sergio Busquets in the line up. Who has come under heavy fire from Barcelona Fans. This strategy is expected to give Barcelona a solid defensive foundation while providing them with enough attacking options to pressure Real Madrid’s defense. The match between the two traditional rivals promises to be exciting, and it will be interesting to see how Xavi’s tactical tweaks will affect the outcome of the game.