As Liverpool gradually adapted to life without Mohamed Salah, they looked for a new contract on the right wing in the summer to increase their ability to create breakthroughs and score goals. They did it, but not thanks to Bradley Barcola. The name that is creating surprise is Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan center-back used his heel to assist Dominik Szoboszlai to score the equalizer in Liverpool's victory over Atletico Madrid. "You have to ask him if he was intentional. That's the beauty of football, isn't it? - Szoboszlai said about his teammate's impromptu assist.
The assist became even more impressive when Araujo did not often appear in the opponent's penalty area. More importantly, he is playing in a position that is not his forte.
Araujo celebrated excitedly after the goal, then continued to immerse himself in the joy with his teammates when the final whistle sounded. Just a few months ago, he also lost his position at Barcelona and had to come on as a substitute in the match where Atletico Madrid eliminated the Catalan team in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Now, everything has changed. In the match where Liverpool became the first team to use 3 players with a transfer fee of at least 100 million pounds each in the same match, they had to thank a player who came on loan. Araujo could become a short-term but surprising solution for former Football Director Richard Hughes.
Joe Gomez's injury in the pre-season period may have prompted Liverpool to make this decision, in the context that they lack experienced defenders. Having to spend the budget on Barcola also makes a loan deal more suitable, while the decline in form at Barcelona makes Araujo willing to look for a new environment.
Jeremie Frimpong's unconvincing performances at the beginning of the season further forced Andoni Iraola to change. Araujo benefited from that decision when it brought certainty thanks to physique, strength, defensive ability and positioning.
Liverpool also really needs Araujo. The right-back position is becoming a difficult problem when Conor Bradley has not ensured his ability to play regularly due to injury history.
With Araujo playing right-back alongside Jeremy Jacquet, The Kop's defense becomes more solid against Atletico. This change also creates balance for the squad. If Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are both attacking, Araujo brings the necessary steel behind.
The Uruguayan center-back also helps Liverpool improve their ability to counter aerial balls and defend against set pieces. Last season, besides Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, they did not have many good aerial players. Now, Araujo adds another quality option.
The Red Brigade" has the right to buy him outright for £47 million at the end of the season. They still have time to assess whether Araujo is suitable for the long-term plan, because two starts in the right-back position do not say much.
Greater challenges are certainly waiting. But currently, Liverpool can benefit from what Araujo brings. Previously, assists from Liverpool's right-backs were often associated with Trent Alexander-Arnold, the most famous of which was the pass against Barcelona.
This time, the person who made a difference for Liverpool was again a player they brought in from Barcelona.
