Ronald Araujo provides defensive stability for Liverpool in Champions League play
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 2:00 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has shifted Ronald Araujo from his customary central defensive role to right-back to address defensive concerns. The tactical change followed early-season performances from Jeremie Frimpong that prompted the coaching staff to seek more defensive solidity. In a recent Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, Araujo contributed an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai to help secure a draw. The player, who joined on a loan deal after an injury to Joe Gomez, has provided a physical presence and an aerial threat to the back line. While the club maintains a £47m option to buy the defender at the end of the season, long-term plans suggest a dedicated right-back signing remains a priority for the upcoming summer window.
- •Ronald Araujo arrived at Liverpool on loan to bolster the defensive depth after Joe Gomez sustained an injury.
- •Andoni Iraola moved the natural centre-back to right-back following poor performances from Jeremie Frimpong.
- •Araujo provided an improvised assist for Dominik Szoboszlai during the recent Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
- •Liverpool holds a £47m option to purchase the defender permanently at the end of the current season.
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Liverpool have stumbled across a solution to one of Andoni Iraola’s big problems
"Ronald Araujo’s impressive start to life at Anfield suggests Liverpool’s new makeshift right-back can bring added steel in defence as well as a surprising threat in attack
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