Ronald Araújo could be Liverpool’s key player after fixing their defence

Ronald Araújo, on loan at Liverpool from Barcelona, has landed at the right time for Andoni Iraola. Liverpool conceded two goals in each of their first two games of the season, but since Araújo has come into those matches they have not conceded twice in a single game. Over the last five matches, they’ve allowed only two goals in total, as Sky Sports notes.

Why he’s made a difference

The 27-year-old defender arrived late in the summer transfer window and, while he didn’t create the same buzz as some other signings, the early signs at Anfield are that his move matters. Araújo is helping solve a specific positional issue: although he’s a centre-back by preference, he has brought balance to the right-back role.

Sky Sports also points to what happened before. Jeremie Frimpong left Liverpool too exposed in those opening matches, and after Nottingham Forest took the lead mid-way through the second half at Anfield he was removed and hasn’t featured in Iraola’s Premier League starting XI since. The piece adds that Araújo’s role goes beyond simply mirroring what Milos Kerkez does on the opposite flank.