Stats show 27-year-old star might be the solution to a major problem for Liverpool

Ronald Araujo joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old Uruguay International was handed his first Premier League start against Ipswich Town yesterday, and he put on a strong performance for his team.

Ronald Araujo impresses at right-back for Liverpool

Liverpool struggled with Jeremie Frimpong at right-back in previous matches, and the Netherlands International was heavily criticised for his performances. Liverpool looked quite vulnerable at the back with him, and they decided to try Araujo as a right-back in the game against Ipswich.

The South American put in a solid defensive display, and his performance will be a huge encouragement for the team and the manager. It remains to be seen whether Andoni Iraola is prepared to persist with Araujo as his first-choice right-back in the coming weeks.

The Barcelona defender is quite accomplished with the ball at his feet, and he showed great defensive decision-making as well. He managed to win nine of his 10 duels during the game and won the most aerial duels in the game as well. Araujo also had the joint-most clearances in the game.

🥇 Most duels won (9/10)
🥇 Most aerial duels won (6/6)
🥇 Joint-most clearances (7)

Reinforced. pic.twitter.com/e8BRw55zti

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 4, 2026

1 – Ronald Araújo on his first Premier League start, with his match ranking:

🥇 Most duels won (9/10)
🥇 Most aerial duels won (6/6)
🥇 Joint-most clearances (7)

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 4, 2026

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Araujo could solve Liverpool’s defensive problems

The defender will be delighted with his performance for Liverpool yesterday, and he will look to build on it in the coming weeks. If he continues to perform at this level, it will be difficult for Liverpool to drop him from the starting lineup.

Although he is a central defender, he can operate as a full-back, and Liverpool will hope he can help tighten up defensively, regardless of the position he is deployed in.