Ronald Araujo sent the perfect message to Andoni Iraola after his full Liverpool debut saw him impress at right-back, where he was selected ahead of Jeremie Frimpong
Ronald Araujo impressed for Liverpool against Ipswich.
Ronald Araujo impressed for Liverpool against Ipswich.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola's decision to field Ronald Araujo at right-back paid dividends as Liverpool won 2-0 at Ipswich on Friday, with the Barcelona loanee coming in for plenty of praise for his performance.
Though he won't be the perfect solution in every game, Araujo added some defensive stability at the back. He didn't always look that comfortable moving up the right wing, but there are plenty of other attackers who can do that, with Victor Munoz at times electric.
Playing ahead of Jeremie Frimpong, who has struggled to leave much of an impression in the early parts of the new campaign, Araujo did well enough to convince most that he could be a long-term solution.
Though it must be added that the game state helped — Liverpool moved in front early on through two goals from Alexander Isak, which meant it wasn't chasing an equalizer — the Reds look much calmer and more composed.
According to Opta, Araujo won the most duels (9/10), the most aerial duels (6/6), and the joint-most clearances (seven), offering much more defensive solidity at right-back.
"He can play both (positions) and he showed it today again," Virgil van Dijk told reporters at Portman Road.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Ronald Araujo of Liverpool is challenged by Daizen Maeda of Ipswich Town during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo impressed on his first start for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"We need everyone, so today the choice was for Ronald to play right-back. The next game, the manager could come up with something else."
Araujo, who can be signed permanently next summer for a fee of around $63 million (£47 million), has played at full-back before, and his performance here was a major positive.
"[Milos] Kerkez had a difficult game against [Abdul] Fatawu but he was very aggressive and I liked his game," Iraola said on Sky Sports at the final whistle.
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"With Ronald, the thinking was about Fatawu swinging crosses into the box and Ipswich puts a lot of balls in.
"Those crosses and second balls, and also set pieces, I felt that Ronald could help us. He was very important.
"We will need Jeremie Frimpong when we need to be more offensive and others we will need Ronald. We will take that decision according to the game."
Next week, Liverpool hosts Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Araujo could get another chance to stake a claim at right-back in that fixture.