Liverpool’s right-back position has suddenly become an intriguing selection battle after Ronald Araujo delivered an eye-catching performance in his first start for the club.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Liverpool with a huge reputation for his explosive pace, attacking ability and creativity from wide areas. However, questions have already been raised about his defensive consistency, and Araujo’s latest performance has given manager Andoni Iraola another option to consider.
Araujo started at right-back in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, with Frimpong beginning the match on the bench. It was a decision that initially attracted attention, but the Uruguayan quickly justified his selection.
Liverpool needed defensive stability after conceding four goals in each of their opening two league matches. Against Ipswich, however, the Reds finally kept a clean sheet, and Araujo played a major role in that improvement.
The defender was particularly impressive in his physical battles. He won nine of his ten total duels and all six of his aerial duels, while also making seven clearances. His strength allowed Liverpool to deal with Ipswich’s direct approach and aerial threat far more comfortably.
That performance has naturally sparked debate among Liverpool supporters.
Frimpong offers something completely different. His speed allows him to push forward aggressively, stretch opposition defences and create additional attacking options. But when Liverpool face opponents who can exploit space behind their full-backs, Araujo could provide the defensive security Iraola needs.
The interesting part is that Iraola does not appear to view the situation as a simple case of one player replacing the other.
The Liverpool manager has indicated that Frimpong will remain important when the team needs greater attacking threat, while Araujo can be particularly useful against opponents who rely heavily on crosses, physical battles and set pieces.
That could mean Liverpool have two very different weapons available at right-back.
Nevertheless, Araujo’s performance has made the competition considerably more interesting.
Liverpool supporters have spent much of the early season discussing the club’s defensive balance, especially following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. With Conor Bradley unavailable, the right-back position has become one of the areas under the microscope.
Araujo’s arrival could therefore prove extremely valuable.
The 2-0 victory over Ipswich was also important for Liverpool as a team. After consecutive 2-2 draws to begin their Premier League campaign, they finally produced a clean-sheet victory, with Alexander Isak scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes.
For Araujo, it was the perfect introduction.
For Frimpong, it was a reminder that his place in the starting XI cannot simply be taken for granted.
There is still a long way to go, and one performance will not suddenly make Frimpong a second-choice player. But if Araujo continues producing performances of this quality, Iraola will have a difficult decision on his hands.
Liverpool may have thought they were simply adding defensive depth.
Instead, they could have created a genuine battle for the starting right-back position.
And for Liverpool fans, that competition could be exactly what the team needs.
