Iraola has a new defensive option to consider

Ronald Araújo is Emerging as Serious Right-Back Option for Liverpool

Ronald Araujo has become a focus of attention for Liverpool following his encouraging start under head coach Andoni Iraola.

The Barcelona loanee started at right-back in the Reds' Champions League meeting with Atlético Madrid and delivered a solid performance. He was involved defensively throughout the match and also made an important contribution in possession, producing a backheel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser as Liverpool came from behind to win 2-1.

The performance earned Araújo Liverpool’s official Carlsberg Player of the Match award, with supporters voting him the team’s best performer on the night.

Iraola was also positive about the defender’s contribution. Speaking after the match, the Liverpool manager said Araújo had performed very well against Ipswich and was even better against Atlético. He specifically highlighted the defender’s work on his side of the pitch while also noting that his attacking contribution can sometimes be underestimated because of his usual role as a centre-back.

The Uruguayan's recent performances do not necessarily mean that right-back will become his permanent position. He remains a centre-back by trade, but his ability to cover the flank gives Iraola another possibility when selecting his defence and fans are calling for the Reds to sign him to a permanent deal.

It remains too early to make definitive conclusions about Araujo's long-term role, but his consecutive starts at right-back and his performance against Atlético gives Iraola genuine reasons why he needs to continue considering him there.