Iraola praises 'humble' Araujo’s impact at Liverpool after Barcelona loan move
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has said he has been impressed by the 'spirit' of Ronald Araujo after a positive start to the defender's loan.
Araujo arrived at Liverpool on loan from Barcelona in the summer, with the Reds retaining an option to sign the centre-back for around £47m.
The 27-year-old has made an immediate impact at Anfield, impressing in a problem position at right-back. Araujo's endeavour has already won admirers at Liverpool, including one lung-busting press against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Iraola believes the move to the Premier League has re-energised Araujo after a tough spell at Barcelona, and believes the defender will get even better when his improves his English.
Iraola hails Araujo’s ‘spirit’ as Barcelona loanee shines at right-back and re-energises Liverpool’s back line
"I'm very happy for him because the first time I talked to him, we knew each other because we'd played each other but not personally. Sometimes you talk to a player and you feel it straight away, it's positive," he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth.
"I think he needed this kind of change. He comes with humility, from a big club, an experienced play. We need you right-back, [he'll play] right-back, we need you centre-back, [he'll play] centre-back, we need him in other position, I think he's ready to do it.
"Physically also, he played more minutes than we expected, being so early in the season. It's still early but he's finishing the games in a good place, he's not cramping he's not... especially when you are a centre-back and you have to play wide as a right-back, the demands are different. Probably it's more demanding. He's assuming these efforts well.
"I like his spirit. Now I am pushing him to learn a little bit of language. A good way for us to use his experience is if he can communicate with his teammates a little bit all the experience that he has. But I suppose it will take some time."
