Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo has been speaking ahead of the Champions League clash at home to Villarreal on Tuesday evening

If it's the Champions League, it's Ronald Araujo. Having followed his assist for Dominik Szoboszlai to equalise in the win over Atletico Madrid by heading the opener in last week's romp at LASK, the Uruguayan has become Liverpool's go-to guy in the competition this season.

For a centre-back who had previously managed just one goal contribution in 35 previous appearances in the competition, that impact comes as something of a surprise.

But much of the 27-year-old's career path in the last few months has been unexpected, from his loan move from Barcelona in August to swiftly becoming a fan favourite as a makeshift right-back.

With Jeremie Frimpong having joined Conor Bradley on the sidelines at the weekend, Araujo is likely to continue in his new role for the Champions League clash at home to Villarreal on Tuesday evening.

Not that the Uruguay international is perturbed by the prospect. "It's not a problem as I'd already played there a few times (for Barcelona)," he said.

"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 different for me.

"Ultimately I try to give everything I can no matter what position I am in, no matter what the manager asks of me.

"I'm not going to deny I don't feel more comfortable at centre-back but at the end of the day it's not a difficult position for me (at right-back)."

Araujo's physicality and competitive streak have made him an instant hit with supporters. And, to continue the trend, the defender has been taken aback by one particular aspect of moving to Anfield.

"It surprises me because you know how big Liverpool are but when you get here and see the dimension of this club, the structure, the fans, you know it's a gigantic team," he said.

"Coming to Liverpool, it's not easy. There are those demands, that responsibility. Personally I'd already experienced that in Barcelona, where you have to give your best in every game.

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"It depends on the personality of each player and how they front that challenge. But from the first moment I arrived I had no doubts I had to give everything here. And that's how I live it."

Araujo added: "I'm very happy because I've been welcomed 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.

"I really do believe we have a great side, a team with great players in it with great potential. 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. We have potential to grow."

Indeed, Araujo has already spotted one major difference with life at Barcelona. "People here, they are more intense when you go down the street and you go to the centre of Liverpool or go to eat, but that's lovely," he said.

"You see how they experience football. I am really happy here. I'm having the game time and minutes and that's what I want. Let's see what happens."

But while Liverpool have an option to make Araujo's season-long loan move permanent for a £47million fee, the player is refusing to look too far ahead.

"It's very early to talk about these things," he said. "I'm just trying to enjoy every day, continue to grow and develop every day to have that confidence."

Araujo earned five wins in seven appearances for Barcelona against Villarreal, who beat Napoli 3-1 last week in the Champions League but are mid-table in the formative La Liga standings.

"I know Villarreal well, I have faced them many times," he said. "They are a good team where if you give them the ball they will have a lot of possession, the second team after Barcelona that 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."

Araujo was club captain at Barcelona and is keen to pass to on his knowledge to Liverpool's developing group of youngsters - once he brushes up on his language skills.

"I am learning English and I'm going to learn quicker than I thought!" he said. "I can bring things to the team, what I am, what I know, even if I say it in Spanish.

"But in football there's a universal language where if you shout at someone you say it in the same way. We have wonderful young players.

"In the game I say to Jeremy (Jacquet) and Rio (Ngumoha) 'well done' in English, we have (Lewis) Koumas and we have other youngsters who bring a great deal to the team. They can bring a great future to the club which is the most important thing."