Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo has impressed since signing for the Reds on a season-long loan from Barcelona, having seemingly secured the right-back position for himself
Ronald Araujo of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid
Ronald Araujo impressed again for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
Ronald Araujo has further strengthened his claim to the right-back position moving forward, after the Liverpool loanee impressed once again in a clash with Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan international was signed on loan from Barcelona, and while it was largely to bring depth to the centre-back ranks after he fell out of favor at the Nou Camp, his ability to play on the right flank was also seen as a huge positive. Considering the lengthy injury issue for Conor Bradley, combined with general form struggles for Jeremie Frimpong, it hasn't taken Andoni Iraola long to test out whether Araujo would be a good fit at full-back.
So far, the former Barca captain has shown plenty of signs that he is comfortable there. With relentless pressing and a desire to defend, the versatile star has impressed with his full debut against Ipswich Town, before being handed another chance against Atletico Madrid.
Not only was Araujo an impressive force defensively, but he provided some attacking ingenuity when Liverpool needed it the most after going a goal behind.
The defender made a bursting run into the box, dragging several Atletico players to him, before playing a delicate backheel flick to Dominik Szoboszlai, who only had the goalkeeper to beat and draw the game level.
While Szoboszlai and eventually Alexis Mac Allister both got on the scoresheet, and impressed in the process, it was Araujo who was voted as the Player of the Match by the Liverpool fans.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Ronald Araujo of Liverpool and Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool celebrate after winning the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 9, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo and Andoni Iraola celebrate after Liverpool's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
The Spanish media reacted in kind, with Sport claiming that Liverpool is "amazed" by Araujo's early performances, while claiming that his display against Atletico Madrid was "outstanding".
The report continued: "On the right flank, he effectively neutralized Giuliano [Simeone], who seemed more focused on defending than attacking . In fact, all of Atletico's danger came from the other side, from Milos Kerkez, who struggled against Marcos Llorente on the left.
"And while Araujo was excellent defensively, his offensive performance was outstanding. It's true that for much of the first half he barely ventured into the opposition's half, making few runs down the wing with Barcola ahead of him.
"But little by little he grew into the game, especially when Atletico began to ease off, he got into dangerous positions, and he really came alive when the score was 1-1. Very much so."
It's a very positive start for Araujo, coming off the back of a difficult season with Barcelona, which was impacted by both his physical health and mental health.
Now entrusted with featuring on the right, Iraola may have finally solved his right-back issue, while the loanee may finally have the confidence and trust to push on and hit the heights again.