Araujo shines at Liverpool as former striker admits he was wrong

“At the start of the season, when Liverpool signed him, I thought it was a desperate signing. […] I owe him an apology,” a former Watford forward admitted about Araujo. The defender, on loan at Liverpool with a purchase option set at 55 million euros, was named Premier League Player of the Week after the 2-0 win over Brighton.

The award recognised a notably strong defensive display. Araujo won every duel he contested: one out of one in the air and five out of five on the ground. He also made six recoveries and eight clearances, and successfully completed two of his three tackles. His top speed against Brighton was reportedly 36.3 km/h, which would be the highest in the Premier League this season. That figure remains reported rather than confirmed here.

He also made his presence felt against Chelsea in the League Cup. Araujo made ten clearances in the first half, compared with one for all of Liverpool’s other defenders combined, and attempted two shots—the same number as the entire Chelsea team. Liverpool won the match on penalties. Virgil van Dijk praised the defender’s contribution: “When you see someone like Ronald Araujo making tackles and being aggressive at the right moments, everyone responds. That energy can really help the team move forward.” Iraola also highlighted his level in duels and said he was happy for him.

The defender’s recent journey offers further perspective on his return to prominence. After a month out for mental-health reasons, Ronald Araujo said: “I learned that stopping in time is self-love. Taking care of your mind and heart is not giving up.” He added that the break had renewed him and allowed him to return stronger. On his return, he won the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.

Araujo had also reflected on his departure in a message to the Camp Nou: “It’s time to take on a new challenge. After eight years, I take with me so many lovely memories, lessons and, above all, many people who were part of this journey.” At Liverpool, he appears to have rediscovered his best level. David Segar believes that, given the transfer market, the 55-million-euro purchase option may not be excessive for an experienced player of Araujo’s quality. The option is therefore central to what happens next, although its activation has not been confirmed.