Araujo joins Liverpool on loan, hails Van Dijk as role model and targets rock-solid defensive partnership | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo has said he can't wait to line up alongside 'role model' Virgil van Dijk as a Liverpool player.

The Uruguay international has joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona, with the Reds retaining an option to make the move permanent for around £47.

Araujo arrives after a successful stint in Spain, which included threeLa Liga titles and two Copa del Rey successes. The 27-year-old told liverpoolfc.com that he's now ready to embrace a new challenge at another 'massive club'.

"I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy. I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going."

“Looking forward to lining up alongside him”: Araujo praises Van Dijk as a “reference point” and dreams of forming a top defence

Araujo will compete for a place in the side alongside fellow recruit Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, with the group battling to partner Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

The latter has been recognised as one of the world's top centre-backs during his time at Anfield, and Araujo admits the Dutch defender is someone he has long admired. He's confident the pair can form a successful partnership in Andoni Iraola's defence.

"We all know what a great player Virgil is. He’s a real reference point for the team and he’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well. I’m looking forward to lining up alongside him hopefully and spending time with him both on the field and off it as well.

"I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him, playing alongside him. With hard work, I think we can achieve good things together as a partnership and as a defence."