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There is a famous warning to avoid falling in love with a loan player. Well, it's becoming tougher and tougher for Liverpool fans to do that, as Ronald Araujo continues to show his class for the side.
The defender, on loan from Barcelona, has cemented his place at right-back since joining the Reds, becoming a reliable option on that flank. Not only has the Uruguayan international offered solid defensive cover at full-back, but he also possesses the energy and endeavor that set him apart from others in his role.
While it is still early days, Araujo has certainly made an impression with all of those ingredients, popping up with yet another crucial goal in Liverpool's win over Villarreal in the Champions League.
It was a finish that had the Barcelona ace's fingerprints all over it, as he failed to give up on a cross that appeared to be out of reach, nodding it in with his head to level up the game just before half-time.
The momentum from the effort he exerted took him into the Anfield crowd, leading him to celebrations with a crowd that had been subdued up until that point of the match.
It also happened to be Araujo's last action in the match, as he was brought off at the break in what appeared to be a pre-planned decision from Andoni Iraola.
The Liverpool fans made their feelings loud and clear on social media after the game, as they cannot fight the warning of falling in love with a loan player.
One fan on social media said, "Can’t fight it, Ronald Araújo. I’m in love with you." Another added: "€55m for Araujo is a massive steal, get it done."
"Araujo, may this loan last forever," was one clear response from a Liverpool supporter. "Araújo celebrating his goal with the fans… he’s in love with this club," another had said.
It underlines the love that is already there for a player who seems to be giving it his all after going through a difficult spell at Barcelona before joining the Reds. It's perhaps somewhat ironic that his display coincided with the Blaugrana losing 4-2 away at PSG in the same competition.
It remains to be seen what is next for Araujo and whether the loan move will be made permanent, but he is certainly making a strong case for it.
There is plenty of time between now and the transfer clause being triggered; however, with some crucial games ahead, he will need to perform to secure such a move.
"It’s very early to talk about these things. I’m just trying to enjoy every day, and grow and develop every day to have that confidence," Araujo said recently. "I’m having that game time and minutes and that’s what I want. Let’s see what happens. I am really grateful to the fans."