Iraola Hails 'Very Very Good' Araujo as Liverpool Beat Atletico Madrid 2-1
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised Ronald Araujo after his side's 2-1 Champions League comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Marcos Llorente gave Atletico the lead, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalised before Alexis Mac Allister scored the winner.
- Match: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
- Competition: Champions League league phase
- Goals: Llorente (Atletico); Szoboszlai, Mac Allister (Liverpool)
- Man of the Match: Dominik Szoboszlai
- Key praise: Iraola on Ronald Araujo: "very, very good"
- Next fixture: Liverpool vs Fulham, Premier League, Saturday
What was said
"I think he's been very, very good. The other day [against Ipswich Town] and he has been, I would say, even better today. I think he's defending really well his side, but also sometimes because he's a centre-back we underrate his offensive side."
"Today he gives a great assist to Dom Szoboszlai. He's made a couple of very good serves from his position and I'm very happy with him. Very happy. He's come with the willingness to show that he belongs to this level, and I hope we can keep him there because he's in a lovely place."
Iraola's comments highlight Araujo's growing importance. The manager noted that Araujo's centre-back background means his attacking contributions are often overlooked, but his assist for Szoboszlai's equaliser showed his quality going forward.
The phrase "I hope we can keep him there" is telling. Liverpool signed Araujo on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy, and his recent form may prompt the club to consider making the move permanent.
The numbers
- Touches: 62
- Passes completed: 33/39 (85%)
- Assists: 1
Araujo's rise at right-back
Ronald Araujo joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy. He was initially expected to provide cover at centre-back behind Jeremy Jacquet, but he has become a regular starter at right-back ahead of Jeremie Frimpong. Frimpong has failed to impress thus far, and Araujo's performances have cemented his spot in the short term.
Against Atletico, Araujo completed 85% of his passes and contributed a crucial assist. His defensive positioning was solid, and he showed the offensive quality that Iraola believes is underrated due to his centre-back background.
His form is a major boost for Liverpool as they navigate the Champions League and Premier League. The 27-year-old has grabbed his opportunity and now looks undroppable on current form.
Talking points
- Should Liverpool trigger the option to buy Araujo, or is his injury record too risky?
- Has Frimpong's Anfield career stalled beyond recovery, or can he still turn it around?
- Is Szoboszlai now Liverpool's most important midfielder after his man of the match display?
- Can Mac Allister's winning goal kickstart a consistent scoring run from midfield?
What happens next
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Three points would maintain their momentum after a successful start to their European campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid?
Liverpool won 2-1, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister after Marcos Llorente had given Atletico the lead.
Who was Liverpool's man of the match against Atletico Madrid?
Dominik Szoboszlai was awarded the man of the match for his performance in the 2-1 win.
Who did Andoni Iraola praise after the Atletico Madrid game?
Iraola reserved special praise for Ronald Araujo, calling him "very, very good" and highlighting his assist for Szoboszlai's equaliser.
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