Charlie Adam has praised Ronald Araujo after the Barcelona loanee impressed at right-back in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday, 25 October.
The former Liverpool midfielder singled out the Uruguay international during BBC Sport’s live coverage of the match. Araujo also won over Liverpool supporters, taking 85% of the vote in the club’s official Player of the Match poll.
He has now won the award twice this season, becoming the first Liverpool player to do so in 2026-27. The win also marked Liverpool’s first Premier League home victory under Andoni Iraola and ended Brighton’s four-match league winning streak.
What Charlie Adam Said About Ronald Araujo
Adam was impressed by how Araujo handled the right-back role, having usually played as a centre-back. Speaking during BBC Sport’s live coverage, he said:
“Araujo has been excellent in that right-back position. He has had a good performance.”
Araujo also stood out for his defensive work. According to This Is Anfield, Iraola had substituted him at half-time in the previous two matches because he wanted more attacking options.
Against Brighton, however, Araujo played the full 90 minutes, with Iraola praising his defending and his work in the duels.
How Araujo Contributed to Liverpool’s win over Brighton
Araujo played a part in Liverpool’s opening goal in the 17th minute. His cross was only partially cleared, allowing Florian Wirtz to collect the loose ball and shoot.
The effort deflected off Brighton midfielder Pascal Groß and into the net, with the goal officially credited as an own goal rather than an assist for Araujo.
Liverpool doubled their lead four minutes later. Bradley Barcola won possession and crossed into the box, where Alexander Isak finished to make it 2-0. It was Isak’s sixth league goal of the campaign.
Araujo remained a threat going forward, forcing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to save a powerful effort just before half-time. He also helped Liverpool protect their lead, making a crucial defensive intervention alongside Jeremy Jacquet as Brighton pushed for a goal.
The official Liverpool match report highlighted both his attacking effort and his defensive work.
Why Araujo joined Liverpool and What Iraola thinks of Him
Liverpool signed Araujo from Barcelona on a season-long loan in August to strengthen a defence affected by injuries. The 27-year-old had been named Barcelona captain in January, but he made only 16 starts last season.
Iraola was pleased with what he saw against Brighton. Speaking to Liverpool.com, the head coach described Araujo as “very good in the duels” and said his involvement in the opening goal was “worth an assist”.
Liverpool’s victory moved them into fourth place in the Premier League and extended their winning run in all competitions to four matches. For Araujo, the display was a strong response to recent questions about his role in the team.
He showed that he can provide defensive security at right-back while still offering a threat going forward.
