Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo has earned high praise from club legend Jan Molby after a successful start to his Anfield career. The Uruguayan, on a season-long loan from Barcelona, has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his committed defending. Liverpool can buy him for £47 million in the summer.
Since his arrival, Araujo has become a key player in Andoni Iraola's team. The defender started 12 consecutive matches before his manager rested him against Fenerbahce.
Without the Uruguayan, Liverpool's defence looked considerably less reliable. They lost 3-2, again demonstrating how important the loan signing has become to them.
‘He is a defender first and loves defending’
Jan Molby believes Araujo has a quality that is becoming increasingly rare among modern centre-backs.
“I think in modern football it's very unusual to see defenders who just love defending. Most of the time we talk about what they can do with the ball: ‘He passes it well.’ We look at possession statistics, passing accuracy and everything else.
“Here we have a player who, to be fair, has already achieved a lot in his career through his performances for Barcelona. But he came here and, from day one, seemed to make it clear to everyone: ‘I'm a defender first. I love defending.’
“I think, compared with the other players and the way they play, the fans just saw: ‘He really loves defending.’
Araujo's willingness to get involved in challenges, fight for every ball and give his all on the pitch helped him quickly win over the Anfield crowd.
Liverpool can buy Araujo for £47 million
Under the terms of the loan, Liverpool have the option to buy the Uruguayan for £47 million next summer.
That option is particularly relevant given the uncertainty over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
Araujo could become an important part of a refreshed Liverpool defence alongside youngsters Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.
The Uruguayan's strong start has already been recognised within the club: he was named Standard Chartered Player of the Month for October.
The 27-year-old defender now hopes to continue his good run in Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
