LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iraola is delighted with the start Ronald Araujo has made to life at Liverpool, believing the Barcelona loanee is “underrated” as a right-back.
Araujo has started the last two games as Liverpool’s right-back, providing significantly more assurance in the role than previous starter Jeremie Frimpong.
His flicked assist for Dominik Szoboszlai in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid also saw the Uruguayan match Frimpong’s tally in 38 games for the club.
While it is perhaps unfair to compare the two players, it is unquestionable that Araujo has so far been the better option this season – despite being a natural centre-back.
Speaking in his post-match press conference at Anfield, Iraola made clear he has no reservations over using the 27-year-old in his secondary role.
“I think he’s been very, very good. [He was] the other day and I would say he’s been even better today,” he told reporters.
“I think he’s defending his side really well, and also sometimes, because he’s a centre-back, we underrate his offensive side.
“Today he gives a great assist to Dom Szoboszlai, he’s made a couple of very good serves from his position.
“I’m very happy with him, very happy.
“He’s come with the willingness to show that he belongs at this level, and I hope we can keep him there, because he’s in a lovely place.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Araujo joined Liverpool towards the end of the summer having found himself out of starting contention at Barcelona, despite being appointed their club captain in January.
The move was seen as a gamble by the Reds, particularly given the financial outlay involved even in a temporary deal, but their decision has so far been vindicated.
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, Araujo has made considerable efforts to speed up the adjustment process at his new club by hiring an English tutor for further lessons outside of those provided by Liverpool.
He has formed strong relationships with Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, and he and his family have moved into a house close to the AXA Training Centre.
Could Liverpool trigger their £47m Araujo buy clause?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araujo celebrates after his side's scored their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool hold a buy clause in their deal with Barcelona, which would allow them to make Araujo’s transfer permanent for a fee of £47 million.
While it was already considered likely that they would not take up this opportunity when the defender made the switch to Merseyside, his performances throughout the campaign could influence the club’s decision.
Araujo will turn 28 in March and is therefore among the oldest players in Iraola’s squad, but he still has many years ahead of him at the top level.
With both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez into the final year of their contracts and, as it stands, set to leave on free transfers in the summer, signing Araujo on a permanent basis may provide a welcome solution.
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker (L) celebrates with the winning goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)