Barcelona stalwart Ronald Araujo has named Virgil van Dijk as his biggest influence in football.
Like many La Masia academy products, Araujo is a South American who was poached for the Catalonian outfit’s world-famous youth setup at an early age. The Uruguayan has come of age over the last two years to become an integral part of Xavi’s resurgent Barca side.
Winning a first La Liga title in four years was a landmark event for the club and Araujo more than played his part, starting 22 games as the Catalans won the title with four games to spare. Only injuries have kept the centre-back - still just 24 - on the sidelines this season.
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At the same age, Liverpool veteran Van Dijk was plying his trade at Glasgow giants Celtic. It was not until a Premier League move, first with Southampton before joining the Reds five years ago, that the Dutchman became a European household name.
Speaking to The Athletic, Araujo has named Van Dijk as a role model for how he aims to develop his game. The Barcelona defender said: “There are various players I watch and I try to take the best from each of them. These days it’s Van Dijk.
“Manchester City’s defenders as well are playing at a good level this season. I analyse a bit from all of them. The movements they make, how they move the ball, trying to learn.”
Ironically, Liverpool were among a host of Premier League clubs reportedly considering a move for Araujo earlier this year. Manchester United and Chelsea also found themselves linked with a potential £60million deal - but the Uruguayan has insisted he is happy in Spain, recently penning a contract extension until 2026.
“I showed with my renewal that I’m happy and I want to be here,” Araujo added. “Nothing more. I think these are things that get resolved. I rejected very important offers; in various cases, even more than they gave me here.
“I’m happy here. We live in a world in which money is very important but, for me, it’s not the most important thing. I was doing well here, the people love me, and I feel at home. That’s the most important thing.”
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