Paulus Arajuuri
position: central defender
citizenship: Finland
date of birth: 15.06.1988
height/weight: 192 cm/89 kg
strong foot: right
Central defender from Finland winning most of air and ground challenges with high speed on distance, useful in both creation and destruction components. One of the fastest players both in the league and his national team (34,4 km/h at most). Has good body balance and coordination skill. An open-minded dress-room leader. Player of the Finland national team - to participate in the UEFA Euro 2021.
Where to play next: Gulf countries, MLS
POSITION
Paulus Arajuuri plays as a central defender, performs well in both classic schemes with four defenders as well as in 5-*-* schemes with advanced wing-backs.
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Arajuuri began his senior club career playing for FC Espoo, before making his Veikkausliiga debut with FC Honka at the age of 18 in 2006. He has made his international debut for Finland in January 2010, at the age of 21.
In 2009 he has moved to Denmark, to play for Kalmar FF. After four seasons there, he moved to polish Ekstraklasa team FC Lech Poznan. In 2017 he went back to Denmark to play for Brondby IF. Finally, in 2019 he changed sides for FC Pafos from Cypriot Premier League.
For now he has played in 43 international games for Finland scoring 3 goals.
INTERCEPTIONS
Positions himself accurately to intercept the ball. Decent air interceptions as well. 7 interceptions and 5 pick-ups per 90 minutes.
AIR CHALLENGES
In 2020/2021: 4.5 air challenges per 90 minutes, 68% of air challenges won.
HEADERS
Good jumping abilities and air timing skill. The player is often used in attacking set pieces.
TACKLING
2.5 tackles per 90 minutes with an average of 68% duels won.
CONCLUSION
Paulus Arajuuri will be a valuable addition to any ambitious team both in US and Asia as he has no difficulties with adaptation to the new places and people. He is a strong character and individual who has an experience of preforming as a captain of both club and national team. He is highly motivated to find a good new challenge and is proud to be a part of Finland UEFA Euro 2020 squad this summer.
