Huijsen To Barcelona: Could He Fill Araujo's Shoes?

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Huijsen's Strengths: A Tactical Analysis

Jordi Huijsen possesses several key attributes that make him an intriguing prospect for any top club, including Barcelona. A thorough tactical analysis reveals several compelling strengths.

Strong Physical Attributes

Huijsen boasts impressive physical attributes that mirror those of Araujo. His height, strength, and aerial ability are particularly noteworthy. He consistently wins aerial duels, showcasing a commanding "physical presence" in the defensive third. Videos of his performances highlight numerous instances where he dominates opponents physically, clearing the ball effectively and winning crucial headers. This "defensive strength" is a key element of his game, reminiscent of Araujo’s own formidable physicality.

Tactical Awareness and Positioning

Beyond his physical prowess, Huijsen displays exceptional "tactical acumen." His "defensive positioning" is exemplary; he anticipates danger effectively, reading the game brilliantly and intercepting passes with impressive consistency. He showcases an innate understanding of defensive positioning, often cutting out attacks before they develop, demonstrating excellent "interceptions."

Passing Ability and Ball-Playing Skills

Modern center-backs need to be comfortable on the ball, and Huijsen fits this mold. He possesses impressive "ball-playing" skills, with an excellent "passing range" and high "accurate distribution" rate. While Araujo is known for his more direct style, Huijsen's ability to play out from the back with accuracy could be a valuable asset to Barcelona’s possession-based game, allowing for a smoother transition from defense to attack.

Huijsen's Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

While Huijsen displays immense potential, it's crucial to acknowledge areas where he needs further development to reach Araujo’s level.

Experience at the Highest Level

Huijsen's relative lack of "senior level experience" compared to Araujo, who has already proven himself in La Liga and international competition, is a significant factor. Adapting to the intensity and physicality of "La Liga demands" will be a key challenge. He needs to prove his consistency against seasoned professionals before definitively being considered a replacement for Araujo.

International Competition

While he has represented his country at youth level, his "international experience" is limited. Sustaining "consistent performance" at a higher level of competition, such as senior international football, will be vital in demonstrating his readiness for a club like Barcelona.

Physical Maturity

Although already physically impressive, further "physical development" and strength gains are expected as he matures. While comparisons to Araujo at a similar age are inevitable, it’s important to remember that players develop at different rates. His "growth potential" is promising, but reaching Araujo’s current physical dominance will take time and dedicated "strength and conditioning."

Barcelona's Defensive Needs and Huijsen's Fit

Barcelona's current defensive situation requires a player who can seamlessly integrate into their possession-based system. The team needs a defender comfortable on the ball, capable of initiating attacks from the back, and strong enough to defend effectively against physically imposing opponents.

Huijsen's "tactical fit" within Barcelona's system appears promising. His passing ability and composure on the ball would complement the team's style of play. However, he will face stiff "competition for places," and securing regular playing time will be a significant hurdle. His ability to adapt to the specific demands of the "La Liga style" will be key to his success.

Conclusion: Huijsen – A Potential Araujo Successor?

Jordi Huijsen possesses undeniable talent and displays many strengths that make him an exciting prospect. His physical attributes, tactical awareness, and passing ability offer a glimpse of a potential top-class defender. However, his relative lack of experience at the highest level and the need for further physical development must be considered. Whether he can ultimately become a viable long-term replacement for Araujo remains to be seen. While he’s a promising player, the jump to becoming a true successor to Araujo at Barcelona presents significant challenges.

What do you think? Could Huijsen truly fill Araujo's shoes at Barcelona? Share your thoughts on Huijsen's potential in the comments below!