Ronald Araujo has made his feelings clear on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who sent a classy message to the Uruguayan ahead of the center-back's arrival at Anfield
Ronald Araujo trains for the first time as a Liverpool player.
Ronald Araujo trains for the first time as a Liverpool player.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo is a big fan of Virgil van Dijk, the man who he will look to form a strong partnership with in the coming season.
Araujo, a 27-time Uruguayan international, arrives as an extra body in defense. Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are yet to play in pre-season, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are injured.
Looking to the longer-term — though Araujo is only at Liverpool on loan initially, with the option for that to become a $63 million (£47 million) permanent deal — Van Dijk and Gomez are both currently set to be out of contract next summer.
In the short-term, Araujo's move makes perfect sense. It might end up doing so in the bigger picture, too, though for the time being, the 27-year-old is keen to prove his worth alongside Van Dijk.
"We all know what a great player Virgil is," Araujo said in his first interview with club media. "He's a real reference point for the team and he’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well.
"I'm looking forward to lining up alongside him hopefully and spending time with him both on the field and off it as well.
Ronald Araujo is interviewed as a new Liverpool player.
Ronald Araujo is interviewed as a new Liverpool player.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him, playing alongside him.
"With hard work, I think we can achieve good things together as a partnership and as a defense."
Van Dijk was asked about the imminent arrival of Araujo over the weekend before the deal was confirmed the day after Liverpool lost 3-2 at home to AS Monaco.
"Any player that will arrive to the club, we will be welcoming," Van Dijk had told reporters on Sunday. "I have no idea if it has been announced, or I have not seen him, so let’s see.
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"Let’s see what the next couple of weeks are going to bring. Any quality we can add to the team will definitely be welcome, so let’s see."
Liverpool.com says: Araujo looks to be the ideal addition in the circumstances. He plays a couple of positions that the Reds needed more options in and is experienced at playing for another massive club.
Andoni Iraola has spoken plenty of times over the last few weeks about the requirement for more depth. That extends to the attack, too, with work happening behind the scenes to ensure that more additions come in.
Bradley Barcola is a target, while Ibrahim Mbaye is another option under consideration.