Liverpool supporters won’t have to wait much longer to see Ronald Araújo in a red shirt.
The Uruguayan defender completed his season-long loan move from Barcelona earlier this week, and all eyes will now be on Sunday when Liverpool face Como in their final pre-season fixtures.
And honestly, I can’t wait to see him play.
A huge signing for Iraola
Araújo arrives at Anfield with an impressive CV.
The 27-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona, won three La Liga titles and can operate both at centre-back and right-back.
Liverpool desperately needed more defensive options, particularly with injuries affecting several players.
Now Iraola has another experienced defender to work with.
And Sunday’s game could give us our first glimpse of exactly how he intends to use him.
Araújo alongside Van Dijk?
This is probably the biggest question Liverpool supporters have.
Could we see Ronald Araújo alongside Virgil van Dijk?
That would certainly be an exciting partnership.
Van Dijk brings experience, leadership and composure, while Araújo offers pace, physicality and aggression.
Liverpool have been vulnerable defensively during pre-season, particularly when opponents have attacked quickly after the Reds lose possession.
Araújo’s recovery pace and ability to defend one-on-one could be extremely valuable in Iraola’s high-intensity system.
The perfect opportunity against Como
Sunday’s double-header against Como gives Iraola an excellent opportunity to assess his squad before the Premier League opener against Newcastle.
The first game takes place behind closed doors at 11:30am, before the main event at Anfield at 6pm BST.
Araújo has already joined his new teammates in training, so there is every reason to be excited about seeing him get his first minutes.
And there will be plenty of attention on how quickly he settles into Iraola’s defensive structure.
A chance to make a first impression
This isn’t about expecting Araújo to solve all of Liverpool’s defensive problems immediately.
It’s about getting his first taste of playing at Anfield and beginning to build an understanding with his new teammates.
And what an introduction it could be.
The Anfield crowd will get their first look at the new No.33, while Araújo himself has already spoken about how excited he is to experience the stadium and get started with Liverpool.
Bring on Sunday
We’ve spent weeks talking about Liverpool’s new era under Iraola.
Now we’re finally getting to see some of the pieces come together.
Wirtz.
Isak.
Araújo.
And potentially Jacquet too.
But for me, Araújo’s debut is one of the things I’m most looking forward to on Sunday.
Let’s see what he can bring.
Let’s see him alongside Van Dijk.
And let’s see whether Liverpool have found the aggressive, physical defender they’ve been crying out for.
Roll on Sunday.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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