Ronald Araujo opens up on Liverpool welcome and right-back role before Villarreal
Ronald Araujo says he has been welcomed at Liverpool and insists playing at right-back is no problem, even if he feels more at home in the middle of defence.
The 27-year-old spoke to reporters ahead of tonight's Champions League league phase meeting with Villarreal at Anfield (8pm BST kick-off).
Andoni Iraola's side are aiming to keep their 100 per cent record in the competition after victories over Atletico Madrid and LASK.
Araujo arrived from Barcelona on a season-long loan in the summer and has become a fan favourite in his early months at Anfield.
The Uruguayan has deputised at right-back to solve Liverpool’s full-back issues, and has won admirers with his committed performances.
Asked about his first few months on Merseyside, Araujo admitted to Liverpoolfc.com that the scale of the club had caught him off guard.
“To be honest, it surprises me because you know how big Liverpool are. But when you get here and you see the dimension of this club, the structure, the fans - you know it is a gigantic team. I'm very happy because since I arrived I've been welcomed just as another player. Not just by the people at the club, but also the fans. I'm very grateful to them. I want to give back to them by giving everything in training and in every match.”
"I feel more comfortable playing as a centre-back"
Araujo said he knew when he decided to join that he could be used at right-back, and that it is not unfamiliar territory.
Though he admitted a preference for a central position, Araujo insisted he’s happy to play wherever Iraola needs him.
“It's not a problem because I'd already played there a few times. When I made the decision to come here, I knew that it was one of the possibilities, to play as a right-back. I'm not going to deny I feel more comfortable playing as a centre-back, but ultimately at the end of the day it's not a different position for me. Each time I have to play there, I try and give absolutely everything.”
The defender knows tonight’s opponents, Villarreal, well from his time in La Liga and expects them to see plenty of the ball, but wants Liverpool to take control on home soil.
“I think they are the second team after Barcelona to have the highest level of possession, so that tells you the types of players that they have. But we also have our players, we're playing at home, we're playing at Anfield, we have our identity, our characteristics and we have to give everything from the first minute. We have to impose ourselves on the game.”
Looking further ahead, Araujo believes the Liverpool squad has the quality to challenge on every front.
“To be honest, I really do believe that we have a great side. A team with great players in it and great potential. But I believe we can compete for all titles we are in this year - the Premier League and the cup. We have to take it step by step.”
Villarreal's visit follows away wins at LASK and Brentford last week and begins a run of four home fixtures in a row, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Arsenal to follow in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
