Ronald Araújo's future remains a major mystery within Barça. His name has gone from indispensable to concerning in just a few months. The trust in his current performance has collapsed.
Not long ago, he was considered one of the best defenders on the planet. However, his performance has dropped significantly, both in LaLiga and with his national team. In both scenarios, his level has raised doubts.
Hansi Flick still isn't sure about him for next season. In recent months, he has lost his place as a regular starter. Each performance leaves more questions than answers.
Ronald Araújo experiences a night to forget
Last night, Uruguay faced Paraguay in a very intense match. It was a great opportunity for Ronald Araújo to regain confidence with his national team. However, the exact opposite happened.
The match was demanding from the first minute. Paraguay pressed hard and forced Uruguay to play out from the back with a lot of risk. In that context, Araújo had a key mission.
What happened left Uruguayan fans and Culers shocked. Barça's center-back was completely singled out for a very striking action. A play that could mark a turning point.
An action that leaves Barça and all of Uruguay speechless
Uruguay was already losing by one goal and was looking to tie the match. Ronald Araújo wanted to start the play from the box and control the ball. He got completely tangled up in a mistake uncharacteristic of his level.
When trying to shield the ball, he ended up stepping on it unintentionally and tripped. The opponent took advantage of the chaos and caused a penalty that sealed the fate of the match. Uruguay ended up losing and Ronald Araújo was at the center of the storm.
At Barça, they've watched the action with astonishment and unease. It's not just the mistake, but what it conveys. The Uruguayan seems to have lost all confidence in himself.
Ronald Araújo's confidence in free fall
This mistake isn't isolated. For months, Araújo has been accumulating inconsistent performances. At Camp Nou, they no longer see him as an unbreakable wall.
He himself has admitted that he wants to stay many years in Barcelona. He renewed his contract until 2031 with the hope of leading the defense. However, today his continuity isn't guaranteed.
The sporting management will have to decide if they trust his recovery. Flick doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of the past and is generating more and more debate among the coaches.
Ronald Araújo wants to stay, but his level doesn't support him
With the season just finished and looking ahead to the next, Ronald Araújo has a lot at stake in every match. His future depends on performance, not intention. That's the main concern.
From Araújo's own camp, they insist that he feels strong and committed. However, the images tell a different story. In a team as demanding as Barça, there's no room for error.
We'll see how he evolves in the coming matches. For now, the penalty against Paraguay continues to be at the center of all analyses. A night that could weigh more than it seems.