In a revealing discussion, Mexican international Julian Araujo shed light on the profound disparities he encountered when transitioning from Major League Soccer (MLS) to the prestigious La Liga after securing a spot with UD Las Palmas.
Since he arrived at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Araujo has gradually acclimated to life with UD Las Palmas, marking a significant shift from the tumultuous events that unfolded in the preceding months. His initial attempt to transfer to Barcelona during the winter transfer window was thwarted by a mere 18 seconds, preventing him from featuring for the first team last season.
Despite finalizing the transfer in mid-February, Araujo, aged 22, spent his post-Catalonia move training under the guidance of Mexican icon Rafa Marquez for Barca Atletic.
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Subsequently, without making a first-team appearance for Barcelona, he made the strategic decision to join UD Las Palmas on loan for the current season, where he now secures valuable first-team minutes in La Liga.
Araujo’s presence was notably felt in last weekend’s remarkable victory over Atletico Madrid, where he not only graced the pitch but also clinched his first goal for the club in the Copa del Rey. This surge in performance aligns with Las Palmas’ overall success this season, following their promotion from the second tier in May.
While the immediate focus within the club revolves around securing their standing in La Liga, there is a collective ambition to achieve this with an attractive style of football, rooted in unwavering values. Julian Araujo admitted to 90 Minutes that his decision to move to Gran Canaria was influenced by the club’s commitment to a football style that resonates with his preferences.
Julian Araujo Speaking In An Exclusive Interview With 90min
In an exclusive interview, Julian Araujo emphasized, “There are similarities with Barcelona, and their approach caught my attention.” He detailed the club’s emphasis on playing from the back, possession retention, patience, and seamless transitions from defense to attack. The team’s philosophy remains resolute, undeterred even when facing formidable opponents like Barcelona or Real Madrid.
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Speaking on his long-term plans, Araujo expressed his intent to return to Barcelona after his loan spell with Las Palmas, emphasizing that the move was strategically designed to foster both personal improvement and adaptation to La Liga’s distinctive style of play.
Reflecting on his time spent at Barcelona, even without first-team action, Araujo highlighted the invaluable lessons gleaned from training alongside some of the world’s top players. Despite the frustration of not playing, he considered the seven months at Barcelona as among the best in his life, emphasizing the enriching learning experience.
Acknowledging the importance of regular playing time, Araujo commended Las Palmas for providing him with a platform to showcase his skills consistently. He emphasized the positive impact on his performance for the national team, emphasizing the correlation between regular club-level play and international success.
Araujo’s adaptation to the high-quality competition in La Liga has required swift adjustments, particularly in enhancing his decision-making speed. He noted the technical prowess of players in La Liga, emphasizing the need for quicker thinking before receiving the ball, considering teammates’ positions and opponents’ locations.
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“The biggest thing I have noticed is how important it is that you can now change your action decision at the last second,” Julian Araujo explained, highlighting the necessity of faster decision-making and improved physical capabilities. He acknowledged his progress in these aspects while expressing the belief that there is still room for technical improvement.
Looking ahead, Araujo and Las Palmas are set to face Osasuna on Saturday evening, aiming to build on their strong start to the campaign, currently positioned 10th in La Liga with four wins in their last five matches. The journey from MLS to La Liga has undoubtedly been a transformative experience for Araujo, marked by challenges, growth, and an unwavering commitment to his footballing philosophy.
