Liverpool fans have found a new name to sing after watching their side come from behind to win against Atletico Madrid.
The Reds built on their win over Ipswich Town in the Premier League by making it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 triumph over Atleti at Anfield. One of their most impressive performers on the day was defender Ronald Araujo, and the fans recognised his contributions.
Araujo retained his place in the starting XI for the encounter, having also started the Premier League win at Portman Road days earlier. He was brought in by the club for his versatility in covering at centre-back and full-back, and he has been a hit in Andoni Iraola's system.
Liverpool fans were worried by the club's failure to bring in full-back cover, but Araujo's performances will have mitigated their ire.
Ronald Araujo Caps Off Impressive Outing With Assist
Desperate not to change too much of what worked in the last game, Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola opted to have the same backline that kept a clean sheet at Ipswich Town.
He had no choice further forward, however, with Cody Gakpo missing out through injury, forcing him to hand a full debut to Bradley Barcola.
Ronald Araujo has been praised for affording greater defensive solidity to the team compared to the available alternatives, but his attacking instincts also came to the fore against a familiar foe.
Araujo provided a brilliant assist to set up Dominik Szoboszlai for the Reds' equaliser in the first half. The 27-year-old executed a fine flick under pressure, allowing Szoboszlai to find the net.
The Uruguay international had a fine game and got forward well, surprisingly recording the joint-most shots in the game. None of his three shots were on target, though, as he is certainly still a defender.
He was on the pitch for the entirety of the game, with Jeremie Frimpong eventually brought on in a more attacking role on the right wing in the closing stages.
| Ronald Araujo vs Atletico Madrid | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 62 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 33/39 (85%) |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Aerial duels won | 2/4 (50%) |
Iraola saw his side go behind to a now-customary Marcos Llorente Anfield goal in the first half before they fought back and levelled matters ahead of the break through Szoboszlai.
Alexis Mac Allister added a second goal with a terrific finish just five minutes into the second half, and his strike turned out to be the winner for the Reds. The only bit of disappointment for Iraola on the night would have been seeing Barcola hobble off with an injury an hour into his first start.
Liverpool Fans Thrilled by 'World-Class' Araujo
Ronald Araujo greatly impressed the Liverpool faithful against Los Colchoneros, and they were left gushing over his performance on social media.
One fan was left stunned by the improvisation shown by the defender to record his assist for Szoboszlai. "Centre backs aren’t meant to invent assists like that. That heel flick was filthy. If this is the Anfield version of Araújo, how many more of those are we getting this season?"
Another fan stated that the Uruguayan is a player that needs to feel valued to perform at his best. "The thing about Araujo is, he’s exactly the kind of player who will only get better as he keeps winning over the fanbase. Could see him having a monstrous season tbh. Some players NEED to feel valued. Raphinha is a similar case study."
A fan hailed his assist for Szoboszlai as 'world-class'. "Man look at that world class assist by Araujo."
Another fan was convinced by his showing and asked the club to sign him permanently. "I've seen enough. Sign Araujo."
It might still be early days, but one fan believes that the 27-year-old is on his way to becoming a cult hero at the club. "Araujo is becoming a cult hero at Liverpool. Love it."
A fan was surprised, stating that they had never seen the defender pull off such a skill in the past. "Never seen Araujo move like that before in my life."
Andoni Iraola got his UEFA Champions League career off to a winning start as Liverpool made it four successive wins over Atletico Madrid in the competition. The Reds will turn their attention to their Premier League meeting with Fulham, while a trip to Real Sociedad awaits Atletico Madrid.
