While Ronald Araujo “definitely helps” Liverpool to defend set pieces, Andoni Iraola has admitted that there are some drawbacks to his inclusion at right-back.
Despite being a natural centre-half, Araujo has been a revelation at right-back since arriving on loan from Barcelona in the summer.
Due to Conor Bradley’s injury and Jeremie Frimpong’s relatively poor form, the Uruguayan defender has started the last six Premier League matches as the Reds’ right-sided full-back.
Thanks to his no-nonsense approach to defending and passionate attitude, Araujo has endeared himself to supporters rapidly.
However, Iraola has admitted there could be a drawback to him playing as Liverpool’s right-back.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It helps us to defend better, but it is true that you lose a little bit also offensively on the other side,” Iraola told media including the Liverpool Echo.
“Offensively, we cannot demand of Ronald the same thing of other full-backs and what they give us, but we have to balance this with other positions and other patterns.”
So far, that balance has been struck well. Araujo’s solidity has helped the Reds tighten up at the back.
In fact, Liverpool have conceded just one goal in six league matches with Araujo at right-back and 11 men on the pitch.
However, as Iraola said, he may not be the best option in the long term when Liverpool come up against a team sitting deep at Anfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's new signing Ronald Araújo during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's new signing Ronald Araújo during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It has been in these games that the Reds have faltered this season, as evidenced by draws at home against Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
Andoni Iraola: Ronald Araujo “definitely helps” defending set-pieces
Among the biggest problems facing Liverpool in the first half of last season was their constant propensity to concede goals from set-pieces.
While their record did improve once Aaron Briggs had left and Lewis Mahoney had taken over, Liverpool again seem to have upgraded their strength at set-plays with new coaches and new players.
Iraola’s assistants, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper “are the ones in charge with the analysts this season,” the manager explained.
The introduction of a third centre-half to the starting XI – Araujo is 6’3″ – has also made things easier for the coaches.
Iraola said: “It definitely helps having a centre-back at right-back when we talk about defending set-pieces. It helps a bit with the height and the physicality of the team…
“But it is very early in the season so I don’t want to say this and then we start conceding set-pieces. It is a long-term thing and I hope we can keep it this way.
“Defensively, we are defending really well lately but still we have some situations where we need to improve.
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“In the league, we have been less dangerous offensively. So it is still too early to take big conclusions, but there are improvements needed everywhere.”
The Reds are yet to concede from a set-piece in the league this season, with Conor Gallagher’s consolation header for Tottenham in the Carabao Cup standing as the only black mark in all competitions.
The toughest test yet, though, is still to come as Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday.
Mac Allister screenshot
Mac Allister screenshot
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, October 20, 2026: Liverpool's crest on a corner flag seen before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)