Araujo thriving in unexpected Liverpool role ahead of Villarreal

Summarised from Liverpool Echo's report · Updated 19 Oct, 17:43 · Archive

Ronald Araujo, on loan from Barcelona, has become a key player for Liverpool in the Champions League despite playing in an unfamiliar right-back position.

Ronald Araujo has been Liverpool's standout performer in the Champions League this season. The centre-back has provided an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser against Atletico Madrid and headed the opener in the victory over LASK, a significant return for a defender who managed just one goal contribution in 35 previous Champions League appearances.

Araujo arrived at Liverpool on loan from Barcelona in August and has become an unexpected fan favourite after being deployed as a right-back, with left-back options Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley sidelined by injury. The 27-year-old Uruguayan said he is unbothered by the position change. 'It's not a problem as I'd already played there a few times for Barcelona,' he said. 'When I made the decision to come here I knew it was one of the possibilities to play as a right-back.' He acknowledged feeling more comfortable at centre-back but described right-back as 'not a difficult position' for him.

Araujo is expected to continue in the role for Liverpool's Champions League match at home to Villarreal on Tuesday evening.

Read the report

• Ronald Araujo on Liverpool surprise, the difference with Barcelona and transfer decisionLiverpool defender Ronald Araujo has been speaking ahead of the Champions League clash at home to Villarreal on Tuesday eveningLiverpool Echo · 19 Oct, 16:51

In this story: Ronald Araujo · Liverpool · Barcelona · Villarreal · Uruguay

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