Former Barcelona striker Luuk de Jong has lavished praise on current Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, hailing him as the best in the world in his position. De Jong, who had a spell with Sevilla, recalled Araujo’s debut against his team and instantly recognized the Uruguayan’s potential.

“When I played at Sevilla, he made his debut for Barcelona in a game against us. I immediately thought: this is a world-class player in the making,” De Jong said. “He was just 20 at the time. Uruguayan, fast, strong, also good on the ball. He is now 24 and will be the best defender in the world for the foreseeable future.”

Araujo’s versatility has been highlighted this season when he was deployed as a right-back by Barcelona coach Xavi to neutralize the threat of Vinicius Junior during the El Clasico against Real Madrid. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet. 

“A nice, very positive guy. He was intentionally put at right-back by Xavi at Barça against Real Madrid to stop Vinicius Jr. Had Vinícius in his pocket, didn’t he!” De Jong reflected.

Despite facing some injury setbacks earlier this season, Araujo is now fit and ready to contribute as Barcelona faces Porto in the Champions League. His performances have not only earned the admiration of his teammates but also that of former players like Luuk de Jong, who see him as a rising star in world football. Get the latest updates from the world of La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.