Marca: Araujo Starts as Right Back in Cameo Role, Completes 90 Minutes for the First Time in 511 Days

According to Marca, Araujo played as a makeshift right back and completed 90 minutes against Ipswich.

The Barcelona loanee played in the 'No. 2 role' and performed well. After Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid, the vacancy on Liverpool's right side had remained unfilled, with Frimpong and the currently injured Conor Bradley both unable to fully replace him. Earlier, Szoboszlai had also been temporarily converted into the 'No. 2 role' by Slot last season.

Iraola appears to have found a solution: Ronald Araujo (Rivera, 1999). The Liverpool manager deployed the Uruguayan as a right back in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, and Araujo delivered a high-rated performance. He said: 'Three points and a clean sheet.'

This did not surprise Araujo. Before arriving at Anfield, Iraola had hinted that he would play an important role, with the ability to operate both as a centre-back and a right back. Araujo had already proven himself in this position, especially in El Clasico, where he successfully restricted Vinicius.

At Liverpool, Araujo has taken on a similar role. He positioned himself almost like a third centre-back alongside Konate and Van Dijk, providing balance for the more attack-minded left side featuring Kerkez. Araujo played 20 minutes and 13 minutes as a centre-back in the draws against Newcastle United (2-2) and Nottingham Forest (2-2), respectively, and once again provided balance in this match by closing down the right flank.

This was Araujo's first full 90 minutes since the 4-1 win over Espanyol on April 11, but his lack of recent match time did not show. Instead, the Barcelona loanee won the most duels in the Liverpool squad, ranking first in both total duels (9/10) and aerial duels (6/6).

Araujo also led the team in clearances with nine. The most notable moment came in the 29th minute, when he made a goal-line clearance to block Enciso's cross-shot, with Maeda waiting to follow up. In terms of build-up play, although he was not overly active, Araujo remained positive: he was Liverpool's second-highest player for crosses from open play (2), third for successful dribbles (2/2), and fifth for passes completed (29 of 34).

When introducing Araujo, Iraola said: 'Of course, we are very happy to bring in a player with such quality and experience. I believe he will adapt quickly and have a positive impact on our squad.'

Araujo also expressed his gratitude for the trust. The player, who still belongs to Barcelona, has adapted well to Iraola's football style, which features pace, intensity, and a strong emphasis on one-on-one battles. In the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, he may face a new test, and he could continue in the 'No. 2 role' or return to the 'No. 4 role'.