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

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Huijsen's Profile: A Deep Dive into the Young Defender's Attributes

Huijsen, a rising star, possesses a skillset that has caught the eye of many European clubs. Let's delve into his strengths and weaknesses to assess his suitability for Barcelona.

Playing Style and Strengths:

Huijsen is a modern, ball-playing defender. His composure on the ball is remarkable for his age, allowing him to initiate attacks from the backline. He's not just comfortable in possession; he's proactive, making incisive passes and often dictating play from the defense.

• Excellent passing range: Consistently delivers accurate long balls and short passes, initiating attacks from deep.
• Strong in the tackle: Displays a decisive and well-timed tackling technique, winning back possession effectively.
• Impressive aerial ability: His height and jumping reach make him a formidable presence in aerial duels.
• Good pace: Able to recover ground quickly and cover space effectively, making him a versatile defensive asset.

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement:

While Huijsen showcases considerable talent, certain areas require further development:

• Experience at the highest level: He lacks the extensive experience of playing consistently in top-tier leagues.
• Physicality against stronger opponents: He might need to improve his strength and physicality to compete effectively against more powerful strikers.
• Consistency: Maintaining peak performance consistently throughout a long season is a challenge that young players often face.

Barcelona's coaching staff, renowned for their player development, could help Huijsen address these areas. The club’s emphasis on tactical discipline and technical refinement would provide the perfect environment for him to flourish.

Comparison to Araujo:

A direct comparison to Araujo is insightful. While both are right-footed center-backs, their styles differ. Araujo is known for his aggressive tackling and physical dominance, while Huijsen’s strength lies in his composure on the ball and passing ability. Araujo's physical presence is perhaps more pronounced, while Huijsen demonstrates a greater aptitude for ball distribution.

Barcelona's Defensive Needs: Why Huijsen Could Be a Valuable Asset

Barcelona's current defensive situation presents both opportunities and challenges.

Current Defensive Situation:

Currently, Barcelona boasts experienced center-backs, but injuries and potential departures could leave gaps in their defensive depth.

• Gerard Piqué: His future remains uncertain.
• Eric Garcia: A solid defender, but consistency can be an issue.
• Andreas Christensen: A dependable option, but injury prone.

Huijsen's Potential Fit:

Huijsen's playing style aligns well with Barcelona's possession-based system. His ability to build attacks from the back would be a valuable asset. Furthermore, Barcelona's famed La Masia academy emphasizes youth development, making Huijsen a potentially long-term investment. He could learn immensely from experienced players like Christensen and Garcia.

Financial Implications and Transfer Feasibility:

The transfer fee would likely depend on negotiations and Huijsen's current market value. Barcelona’s financial situation needs consideration. A structured payment plan or a loan with an option to buy might be explored to make the transfer feasible.

Alternatives and Competition: Other Options for Barcelona at Center-Back

Barcelona might explore other center-back options. However, the scarcity of young, ball-playing defenders with Huijsen’s potential makes him a particularly attractive prospect. Internal solutions like promoting from the youth ranks are also possible, but may not provide the immediate impact Huijsen could offer.

Conclusion: Huijsen's Potential to Become a Barcelona Star

Huijsen's transfer to Barcelona presents a compelling proposition. While his relative lack of experience needs acknowledging, his strengths in ball-playing, passing, and composure significantly outweigh his weaknesses. His potential to develop under Barcelona's coaching staff is undeniable. Can Huijsen fill Araujo's shoes? Perhaps not immediately, but he offers a distinct skillset that could complement the team and secure Barcelona's defensive future. Let's discuss! Share your opinions on the #HuijsenToBarcelona transfer. Could he succeed at the Camp Nou? Join the conversation!