Xavi reveals which Barcelona player has improved the most

The coach reserved special praise for Araujo after Barcelona made it four wins in a row at the weekend.

Ronald Araujo is perhaps the most improved Barcelona player, according to manager Xavi Hernandez.

The 23-year-old Uruguayan has become an undisputed regular in the Blaugrana defense over the past two seasons and impressed again in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Elche by the way he drove forward with the ball.

‘He has changed how he plays’

Araujo’s performance earned special praise from Xavi, who noted the defender’s progress since he first took over at Camp Nou in November.

“Maybe Araujo is the player who has improved the most since I took over,” the manager told reporters at the end of the match.

“Above all, with the ball, because he is taking risks … He is driving [forward] with the ball.

“Today he was the free man. There were times he was the advanced midfielder. He’s changed how he plays, which is what we demand, and is gaining weight within the team.

“Without the ball, he’s one of the best in the world, with the ball he had to improve. It’s fundamental for him and the team.”

What next for Barcelona?

Xavi’s men return to Europa League action on Thursday for the first leg of their last-16 tie against Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Barcelona enter the contest hoping to make it five wins in a row across all competitions. Judging by the current odds from Bet365, they’re on course to do just that. A home win is priced at 1.18, while odds for a Galatasaray win are at a staggering 17.00 at the time of writing.