Barcelona loanee earns high praise from current manager after UCL masterclass: ‘This change has helped him a lot’ | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo is becoming an important figure at Liverpool, with manager Andoni Iraola praising the Barcelona loanee after another impressive performance in a 2–1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguayan defender played a key role in Liverpool’s comeback, producing a clever backheel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai to score the equaliser. 

It was another encouraging display from Araujo, who has made an increasingly strong impression since moving to Anfield.

Iraola has used him as a right-back in both of his starts so far, but the Liverpool manager believes Araujo’s experience at the highest level has helped him adapt quickly.

“I think Ronald is used to playing big matches. He’s used to playing in the Champions League, competing for titles, and playing for a big club. 

Araujo provided a clever assist in Liverpool’s win over Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“It also helps that, in terms of performance, I think he’s been playing very well,” said the Liverpool boss, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Araujo’s versatility proving valuable for Liverpool

Araujo’s ability to operate in different defensive positions could become particularly valuable as the season progresses.

He came off the bench as a centre-back against both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, with Iraola pointing to those appearances as an important part of his early adaptation.

“In the matches against Forest and Newcastle, it’s difficult to come on from the bench as a centre-back, but he came on, did well, and we scored whilst he was on the pitch. 

“That probably gave him confidence, and then, when he’s had the chance to start – even in a position he’s played before, although it’s probably not his usual one – he’s done very well.”

A fresh start after difficult Barcelona spell

Araujo has earned high praise from Andoni Iraola. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Iraola believes the move to England is doing Araujo good beyond what he produces on the pitch.

The defender endured a difficult period at Barça and took a break to deal with a mental health issue. 

Now, according to his new manager, a change of surroundings has provided an opportunity to reset.

“For him, the biggest challenge was probably the language, as he doesn’t speak English, so sometimes settling into a new country is difficult. But I think he also has good support in the dressing room. 

“I think this change, even if it’s just on a mental level, has helped him a lot, bearing in mind that he’s been playing for Barça for many years and I think he needed this sort of change,” he concluded.