Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo has been speaking ahead of taking on Villarreal in the Champions League, which is a team that he has come up against several times before in Spain

Ronald Araujo has revealed that Liverpool is an even bigger team than he realized when he arrived on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with the option of a $63 million (£47 million) permanent deal next summer.

"To be honest, it surprises me because you know how big Liverpool is, but when you get here and see the dimension of this club, the structure, the fans, you know it's a gigantic team," Araujo said.

"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 the fans. I am very grateful to them. I want to give back to them by giving everything in training and every match."

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has mainly used Araujo at right-back so far, rather than his usual center-back berth. But while he prefers to be in the middle, he is currently enjoying his role at full-back.

"It's not a problem as I'd already played there a few times," Araujo added. "When I made the decision to come here, I knew it was one of the possibilities to play as a right-back, so it's not something so different for me.

"Ultimately, I try to give everything I can no matter what position I am in, no matter what the manager asks. I'm not going to deny I don't feel more comfortable at center-back, but at the end of the day it's not a difficult position for me (at right-back).

"I know Villarreal well I have faced them many times. They are a team where if you give them the ball, they will have a lot of possession.

"The second team after Barcelona has the highest level of possession so that tells you the type of players they have.

"But we have our players, we are playing at Anfield, and we have our identity, and we have to give everything from the first minute and impose ourselves on the game. If we do, we can come away with a victory."

Liverpool has high hopes of going a long way in Europe this term. Araujo was also asked about whether winning the tournament might be possible.

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"To be honest, I really do believe we have a great side," he said. "A team with great players in it with great potential. Players who came a short time ago and have come in and given a great deal, like myself.

"The Champions League is a very difficult competition and there are great sides in there. Sometimes those knockout games are decided by small details.

"I think we can compete for all four competitions we are in. It's a long season, but we are on the right path. We are working well despite not having great results. The team is going forward and progressing. We have potential to grow."