flag
back Back
Andoni Iraola offers glowing Ronald Araujo verdict after Liverpool moment 'worth an assist'

Ronald Araujo was one of the outstanding performers for Liverpool on a very good outing for Andoni Iraola, who collected his first Premier League win at Anfield by beating Brighton

Liverpool center-back Ronald Araujo.
Liverpool center-back Ronald Araujo.

Andoni Iraola was delighted with the performance of Ronald Araujo against Brighton as the right-back starred in a fighting victory for a Liverpool side starting to find some form.

The Reds have now won four games on the spin in all competitions since being beaten by Manchester City. This was Iraola's first three points in the Premier League at Anfield, with first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz proving enough.

At the back, though, especially in the second half when Brighton saw more of the ball, Araujo was an exceptional performer. The Uruguayan won every single duel that he competed for.

"It helps a lot," Iraola said during his post-match press conference. "I think we all enjoyed watching Ronald fighting.

"I think he's very good in the duels. Even the first goal, I think he wins two duels in a row, he arrives at the byline and after, it's not an assist, but it's worth an assist. And defensively, I think he's been really, really, really good.

"I'm happy for him because I've taken him out in the last two games, because we needed more offensive things at half time, and he has continued working with no issues, and today we needed him more. He has given a very, very good 90 minutes."

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.

In the second half, Liverpool protected its lead. While it had less attacking threat at that stage, the match had already been won by a strong opening 45 minutes.

"I haven't seen the stats, but today we knew, because we know how they play, they know how we play," Iraola added.

"They are going to press, we are going to press, we are going to try to build up, they are going to try to build up, so sometimes we have to go more direct. They were also going a lot direct with (Diego) Gomez in the long balls.

"So, every duel there in the middle, to defend the defensive lines that are quite high, every duel you can win, you have space to go one-vs-one with your wingers, with your number nine.

Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit

Content Image

Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.

"And I think, especially in the first half, we've been very good winning those duels, and we can provide good situations for our offensive players, yes."

You may like

Harry Maguire points finger for Man Utd loss and speaks out on Michael Carrick's future

mirror.co.uk 4 hours ago

Football Legend Paolo Maldini Named His Two Toughest Opponents

givemesport.com 2 hours ago

‘Clear red card’ - Jose Mourinho says Joao Cancelo deserved to be sent off in El Clasico

barcablaugranes.com 29 minutes ago

Brendon McCullum convinced England can learn from agonising defeat to Pakistan

independent.co.uk 5 hours ago

Gareth Taylor: We deserved that point - I'm really proud of how the players performed

liverpoolfc.com 5 hours ago

3 Instant Takeaways from MSU's Discouraging Exhibition Loss at Marquette

si.com 3 hours ago

St. John’s proves Rick Pitino wrong in overwhelming preseason finale win over Texas

nypost.com 24 minutes ago

How Can Cal Be Great in One Half and Awful in the Other?

si.com 5 hours ago

With heroes like Jim Baxter and Scott Brown part of their village's proud football heritage, it's...

dailymail.co.uk 3 hours ago