Image for Ronald Araujo wins MOTM against Brighton as Liverpool resurgence continues
Image for Ronald Araujo wins MOTM against Brighton as Liverpool resurgence continues
Liverpool sealed a convincing 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday, with Ronald Araujo’s s impressive 2026/27 season continuing with another MOTM performance.
Cody Gakpo was also a candidate for Man of the Match, but there is no arguing against the performance Araujo delivered.
The Dutchman was nearly a Manchester City player in the summer, but luck was on his side as the move collapsed in the final 48 hours of the window, meaning he has avoided the City controversy.
More importantly, he has started the season in incredible form and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet despite the £123m arrival of Bradley Barcola.
In eight games this season, Gakpo has two goals and five assists. The former PSV Eindhoven star has played on both wings with devastating effect.
Araujo’s stats vs Brighton make for incredible reading
When Liverpool signed Araujo in the summer, he did so with the blessing of Barcelona fans, who told many a Liverpool supporter that the Uruguayan is a liability and would cost the Reds.
Araujo man. You are making me feel ways we shouldn't be feeling pic.twitter.com/Ddiuo3wNT7
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 25, 2026
However, the opposite has been true. He is no undroppable and is making an early case to be in the Premier League Team of the Season. Of course, it’s much too soon to be making such claims, but his importance to Andoni Iraola is undeniable.
Araujo’s performance against Brighton is the perfect case study for why.
He’s a monster. His stats tell the story:
90 minutes played
Top speed: 36.3 km/h
13 sprints
11 defensive contributions
2 tackles
8 clearances
6 ball recoveries
7 ground duels won
1 aerial duel won
0 times dribbled past
1 successful dribble
Not to mention the fact that he won a tackle with his head in the first half…
Should Liverpool make Araujo’s move permanent?
I think it’s a no-brainer.
More Ronald Araujo content ? pic.twitter.com/GNvZH5s3PK
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) October 25, 2026
Is there a better, more versatile defender available for £47m? I don’t think so.
£47m is the value of the clause in his loan contract between Liverpool and Barcelona, which gives the Reds the right to make his move permanent if they trigger it.
Liverpool need a specialist right-back, but part of me wants Liverpool to make him the full-time right-back and focus their funds in January on signing another midfielder.
Either way, I want Araujo to stay, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find many fans who disagree.