Liverpool has officially solved its glaring right-back issues with Ronald Araujo, and he’s absolutely brilliant in the role. Nobody saw this coming, but the Uruguayan defender has stepped up huge, becoming the club’s first-choice option in a position that’s been a real headache for too long.
The Right-Back Rollercoaster Before Araujo
Let’s be real, when Trent Alexander-Arnold left, it created a massive hole. Everyone thought Conor Bradley was the natural successor, the guy to take the throne. But the last three seasons have seen Bradley miss an average of 15 to 20 games a year due to injury, and he’s currently recovering from a very serious knee injury. His return, and what shape he’ll be in, is totally up in the air. Then there was Jeremie Frimpong, signed the summer Alexander-Arnold departed. While he *can* play right-back, he’s clearly much better as a winger. His place as a starter is still questionable, and whether he even has a long-term future at Liverpool is debated.
And remember last season? Arne Slot tried to fix the problem by playing Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back. Szoboszlai did provide progressive passing and handled defensive challenges well, sure, but the guy is a midfielder. He’s made it crystal clear he prefers the middle of the park, and his new long-term deal was signed with the understanding he’d be a future midfielder. He simply cannot be a right-back option, except as a last resort. Liverpool even explored moves for someone like Malo Gusto, but ultimately opted against it. It felt like we were stuck in a loop.
Araujo’s Shocking Shift Proves a Genius Move
But then, Iraola pulled off a genius move. When Liverpool first signed Araujo, few of us imagined him playing right-back, let alone becoming the first choice there. He was brought in to add experience to the center-back department. However, with Jeremy Jacquet settling in brilliantly, and Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez coming back from injuries, Araujo wasn’t needed as much in the middle. So, in the last couple of games, Iraola shifted Araujo to right-back. And man, has it been a masterstroke.
Araujo has been absolutely brilliant in the position, delivering some of the best performances we’ve seen in that role for a long time. This guy is the real deal there. He’s officially Liverpool’s new right-back, and there’s no going back. He’s the first choice, plain and simple.
What a turnaround, right? Araujo’s unexpected move to right-back changes everything for the backline. We’ve finally got stability, and it’s exciting to see what he brings to the position going forward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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