Iraola hints Liverpool star has secured starting role but delivers Barcola warning
Andoni Iraola has strongly suggested that Ronald Araujo has established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice option at right-back, while Bradley Barcola may have to accept regular rotation despite his huge price tag.
Liverpool’s decision not to sign a natural right-back during the summer attracted plenty of attention. Jeremie Frimpong endured a difficult first season at the club, and his performances this campaign have so far done little to convince supporters that things have changed.
Conor Bradley is currently unavailable through injury, while Joe Gomez, who can also operate at right-back, has struggled with his own fitness issues.
Liverpool eventually brought in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan. Although primarily a centre-back, the Uruguay international is comfortable filling in at right-back. After moving ahead of Frimpong in Iraola’s plans following just two matches, Araujo has impressed in the position.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Iraola was full of praise for the 27-year-old, with his comments suggesting that Araujo could now be the man to beat for the right-back position.
Araujo emerging as Iraola’s first choice?
“I am very happy for him,” Iraola said, via the Liverpool Echo. “The first time I spoke to him, sometimes you talk and immediately you feel that everything is positive.
“He needed this change and he has arrived with humility. He plays for a big club, he is experienced and he is ready to play in different positions.
“Physically, he has played more minutes than we expected and he is showing his robustness. He is in a good place and he is not cramping. Especially when you are a centre-back playing right-back, it is more demanding.”
Despite being delighted with Araujo’s contribution, Iraola believes there is still one area where the defender can improve.
“I like his spirit. Now I am pushing him to learn the language because we can make better use of his experience if he can communicate more. It will take some time,” the Liverpool boss added.
Barcola could face plenty of rotation
While Araujo appears to have strengthened his position at right-back, Iraola’s comments suggest Liverpool’s attacking players could face a very different situation.
Bradley Barcola arrived during the summer for a deal that could eventually reach £123m, making him Liverpool’s second-most expensive signing ever.
However, his enormous transfer fee does not appear to guarantee him a permanent place in the starting XI. Iraola’s tactical approach demands that his wingers maintain a high intensity and lead the press from the front, meaning regular rotation could be necessary.
“With Bradley, the more he plays, the better he becomes,” Iraola explained.
“He came without pre-season minutes, but he was in good shape. Like all signings, he needs time to adapt, although he is already used to playing at the highest level.
“I think it is the situation we want in every position — specific players competing for two places.
“Two start and two come from the bench. In most games, it is a good competition, and for me it is not easy to choose.
“We need that competition. It is a luxury to have these kinds of options.”
