Liverpool star Ronald Araujo has already secured a spot in the starting XI following his summer switch to Anfield but Barcelona are continuing to keep a close eye on him
Deco
Deco has given his thoughts on Ronald Araujo's performances with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona chief Deco has confirmed he is keeping his fingers crossed for Ronald Araujo at Liverpool. The Uruguayan joined the Reds on a season-long loan move over the closing days of the transfer window.
Liverpool have a £47million option to make the move permanent. Araujo, 27, has already impressed having made four appearances for his new employers and he has played the full 90 minutes in victories against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.
Having tuned into the Reds’ win against the Spanish side, Barcelona sporting director Deco has suggested he is hoping Araujo continues to shine at Anfield, although he stopped short of suggesting whether he would be moving permanently.
“I watched the Liverpool match yesterday,” he told Spanish outlet Sport. “I love him. I’m fond of him and want him to succeed. Personally, I love him. At times, he hasn’t been able to play at his usual level.
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“His time at Barça was spectacular. Sometimes, ideas don’t align. He is under contract with us; it’s still early days.”
Deco is not the only one to have spoken out on Araujo’s performances at Anfield so far. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has also given his taken and has been impressed.
“I think he’s been very, very good. [He was] the other day and I would say he’s been even better today,” he said after the win against Atletico Madrid. “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.
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo has had a bright start to life with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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“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.”
Araujo has also given an insight into his start to life with Liverpool. He said: "We've got a great team and, little by little, we're growing too - meeting all the coach's demands and reaching a higher level. Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona. I'm working hard, as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more.
"Liverpool are a great club and I'm really looking forward to continuing to give my all so I can keep contributing to the team."
He added: "I love playing in this stadium. It's a very special and lovely place, and when we're also able to show off all our hard work here with a good result, it makes us feel very satisfied. We were up against a great opponent, who we knew had already had some good nights here, but we stood up to them, played a great match and came away with the win, which was the important thing."
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