Ottolini strongly on Uruguayan left-back

While Italy bid farewell to their World Cup dreams in Bosnia, another exciting football showcase took place at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

The international friendly between Algeria and Uruguay drew attention not just for its competitive spirit, but also for the high-profile observers it attracted.

Among the spectators were Juventus president Gianluca Ferrero and sporting director Marco Ottolini, who reportedly took the opportunity to closely assess some of the talents on display.

According to Tuttosport, one player in particular caught their eye: Maximiliano Araújo. The Uruguayan, born on February 15, 2000, is no stranger to the Allianz Stadium.

He previously played here on November 4 in a Champions League clash between Sporting Lisbon and Juventus under the newly appointed Luciano Spalletti, who was notably impressed by Araújo’s overall performance—not just his goal, scored in the 12th minute before Dusan Vlahovic equalized, but his entire contribution on the pitch.

Maximiliano Araújo – A Versatile Threat on the Left

Araújo currently plays for Sporting Lisbon, managed by Rui Borges, who signed him from Mexico’s Toluca in the summer of 2024 for just under €14 million.

This season, he has already made 35 appearances across all competitions, totaling 2,784 minutes, contributing six goals and four assists—all while primarily playing as a left-back.

For the Uruguay national team, coach Marcelo Bielsa often deploys him as a left winger, highlighting his remarkable stamina and offensive capabilities.

His performance against Algeria demonstrated exactly why he is considered a rising star, consistently troubling the opposing defense

Tuttosport notes that Juventus could consider Araújo as a potential reinforcement, particularly if Andrea Cambiaso were to leave the club.

However, Sporting Lisbon has secured the player until 2029 and is unlikely to accept a low transfer fee, with his market value currently around €25 million.

Still, Araújo remains a name to watch as Juventus prepares for future market opportunities to strengthen their squad.

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