Ronald Araujo has made a solid start to life at Liverpool while playing in a new role for the club, impressing in their Champions League win over Atletico Madrid with an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with Ronald Araujo
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with Ronald Araujo
Dominik Szoboszlai has joined Liverpool fans in being impressed by Ronald Araujo's start to life at the club and staking a serious claim in owning the right-back position.
With Conor Bradley sidelined through a long-term injury, and Jeremie Frimpong struggling for form at right-back, Araujo was gifted an opening. Araujo impressed against Ipswich Town in the Premier League before following that up with another strong showing in the Champions League.
Araujo showed his abilities in going forward, pulling off a beautiful assist for Szoboszlai to bring the Reds level before half-time. He also impressed defensively, while linking well with fellow new signing Jeremy Jacquet.
Liverpool's vice-captain Szoboszlai was named Man of the Match in a strong performance in their Champions League opener, defeating a team the club has had issues facing in recent years.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Szoboszlai said, "Very happy to be back. These nights are always special. After a setback, we came back in a good game.
Araujo
Araujo impressed at both ends of the field
"Happy for the result, happy to score my goal finally again. It was ups and downs all the time - they have a good team. I think we have a good team as well. We gave everything that we had."
When asked about Araujo, Szoboszlai said, "Happy for him as well. You have to ask him if he meant it, thanks to him again as well."
Meanwhile, Iraola raved about Araujo's performance at right-back as he said, "We probably don’t value him offensively, but he’s got good crossing ability, smart on his decision-making also.
"Players like Jeremie Frimpong, Kostas [Tsimikas], haven’t started many games, probably disappointed, but they have to come on and help us a lot… even for 5 mins like Kostas today, did well, calm on the ball, this is very valuable for the team."
Iraola, Araujo
Andoni Iraola spoke on the offensive impact Araujo has had so far
Bradley is not expected back until November after sustaining a serious knee injury in January. Frimpong is likely to have further opportunities, but it appears Araujo has won the starting position for now.
The former Barcelona man was brought in on loan as a center-back, having the ability to cover at right-back if needed. He predominantly played in the former role in Spain.
The win for Liverpool is a significant one, with Atletico looking to be the most difficult game on their Champions League group-stage schedule. They face LASK in their next group game in a month.