Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlie Bennett

Defender linked with Liverpool transfer names two Virgil van Dijk qualities he tries to mimic

Barcelona stalwart Ronald Araujo has named Virgil van Dijk as his biggest influence in football.

Like many La Masia academy products, Araujo is a South American who was poached for the Catalonian outfit’s world-famous youth setup at an early age. The Uruguayan has come of age over the last two years to become an integral part of Xavi’s resurgent Barca side.

Winning a first La Liga title in four years was a landmark event for the club and Araujo more than played his part, starting 22 games as the Catalans won the title with four games to spare. Only injuries have kept the centre-back - still just 24 - on the sidelines this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.