Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was very impressed with the performance of right-back Ronald Araujo following the 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield yesterday.
The Merseyside giants continued their brilliant run of form with an impressive victory over high-flying Brighton. A Pascal Gross own goal and an Alexander Isak strike secured an early advantage for the Reds, which was sufficient for the win.
Speaking after the match, Iraola was asked about the performance of Araujo. The Spanish tactician said that he was ‘very happy for him’ and ‘he deserves the praise’ after playing a key role to create the opening goal of the game.
He told BBC MOTD (via BBC Sport): “He deserves the praise. Even in the first goal, he arrives and gives the assist. I am very happy for him.”
Araujo was a surprise signing for the Reds from Barcelona on loan last summer. The Uruguayan struggled to nail down a regular starting role at the Blaugrana earlier this year, which meant he was prepared to pursue a new challenge.
The 27-year-old was initially expected to compete with Jeremy Jacquet for the right centre-back position, but the Frenchman’s brilliance in the role has paved the way for Araujo to operate at right-back, where he has been hugely effective.
The ex-Barcelona captain had another top-class performance against the Seagulls. He won 100% of his duels (5/5) and also made 8 clearances, 6 recoveries and 3 tackles and received an 8/10 rating from Fotmob. Araujo has very much made the right-back position his own.
With the latest win, Liverpool have moved to 4th in the league standings, 6 points behind Manchester City and Arsenal for the top spot. They host the Gunners in their next league match on Sunday, which will be hugely anticipated by both set of fans.
Prior to that, the Reds host Chelsea in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening. Iraola will no doubt ring in the changes with the Gunners game partly on mind, and Araujo could be given a breather. He could come off the bench if…..
