Ronald Araujo‘s arrival could see Europe’s most formidable one-on-one defenders paired up, with the Liverpool signing’s record even better than Virgil van Dijk‘s.
Araujo’s move from Barcelona is expected to complete Andoni Iraola‘s centre-back ranks for the season to come, with five options in the senior squad.
While the 27-year-old is not currently viewed as a long-term solution there is certainly a chance he earns a permanent move to Liverpool, with a €55 million (£47.1m) buy clause in the deal.
With Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez working their way back from injury, it is possible that Iraola pairs Araujo and Van Dijk at centre-back for the Premier League opener at Newcastle on August 23.
If he does so, the Liverpool head coach will be fielding the two most accomplished one-on-one centre-backs in Europe.
2 – Since Ronald Araújo's LaLiga debut in 2019, the two defenders with the lowest dribbled past average (per 90) in Europe's big five leagues:
0.13 – Ronald Araújo (14 times in 143 apps)
0.16 – Virgil van Dijk (34 times in 212 apps)
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 12, 2026
According to Opta, no other defenders in Europe’s top five leagues have averaged a lower dribbled past average than Araujo since his LaLiga debut in 2019.
Araujo has been dribbled past just 14 times in 143 league games for Barcelona, or 0.13 per 90 minutes, which is the only rate better than that of Van Dijk at Liverpool.
Van Dijk is beaten by his man 0.16 times per 90, with the Dutchman dribbled past 34 times in 212 league appearances.
It is rare that opponents get cleanly past either Araujo or Van Dijk in a one-on-one situation, which bodes well for their partnership at Anfield.
Uruguay's Ronald Araujo during the international friendly match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday March 27, 2026.
Uruguay's Ronald Araujo during the international friendly match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday March 27, 2026.
There are, of course, wider concerns when it comes to the Uruguayan’s concentration, with high-profile lapses seeing him drop down the pecking order at Barcelona.
But speaking to LFCTV upon his arrival on Merseyside, Araujo outlined his belief that he is perfectly suited to the style of play in the Premier League.
“No doubt at all, I think my attributes will suit this league down to the ground,” the No. 33 explained.
“I think the style of play in the English league should be perfect for my qualities as a player.
“It’s a league I’ve wanted to play in for a long time. It’s very, very competitive and some say – and why not? – it’s the best league in the world.
“So, I’m full of excitement, I’m full of hope, really wanting to get started, for sure.”
Per WhoScored, Araujo’s main strengths in terms of statistics come in aerial duels, passing and tackling, with the loanee preferring short passes and averaging 92 percent completion last season.
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