Ronald Araujo, Iraola's answer to the hole left by Trent Alexander-Arnold

Ronald Araujo has become Andoni Iraola's unexpected solution to a problem that had been lingering at Liverpool for some time: the gap left by Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side of the defence. The Uruguayan centre-back, on loan from Barcelona, completed the full 90 minutes as a right-back in the 2-0 win at Ipswich Town and delivered a rock-solid display across every aspect of the game.

How Araujo fits into Iraola's tactical plan at Anfield

Ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold headed to Real Madrid, Liverpool had struggled to find a permanent owner for the right-back spot. Neither Jeremie Frimpong nor Conor Bradley, currently injured, had convinced Arne Slot, who was even forced to improvise with Dominik Szoboszlai in that role last season. Iraola's arrival on the bench and Araujo's loan deal have changed the picture completely.

The Basque coach had already hinted to the Uruguayan that he would have a prominent role, either as a centre-back or on the right side of the back line. At Ipswich, he placed him in the latter position and the result was impressive. Araujo operated almost as a third centre-back alongside Jacquet and Van Dijk, shutting down the right channel and balancing out Milos Kerkez's attacking instincts on the left.

Of course we are very happy to have added a player of such quality and experience. I am sure he will adapt quickly and have a positive impact on our squad.

A full 90 minutes after 511 days on the sidelines

Araujo had not completed a full match since 11 April, when Barcelona beat Espanyol 4-1. That was 511 days ago, but the lack of competitive rhythm was nowhere to be seen at Portman Road. The Uruguayan looked sharp in every duel, alert in his covering and involved in the build-up play.

Araujo's numbers against Ipswich Town

• He won more duels than any other Liverpool player: 9 out of 10 overall and 6 out of 6 aerial battles.
• He led the team in clearances with 9.
• He cleared a ball off the line in the 29th minute after a dangerous cross-shot from Enciso.
• He completed 29 of 34 passes, the fifth-highest tally in the side.
• He pulled off 2 successful dribbles, the third-most on the team, and delivered 2 crosses in open play.

Although his main job is defensive, Araujo also contributed going forward with good judgement. He did not bomb down the flank too often, but when he did he picked his moments well: he was Liverpool's second-most productive crosser in open play and added a couple of completed dribbles that helped the team breathe.

The role he already mastered marking Vinicius in El Clasico

Playing at right-back is nothing new for Ronald Araujo. During his time at Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez repeatedly turned to him to keep Vinicius Junior quiet in El Clasico fixtures. His physical power, recovery pace and ability to dominate one-on-one battles made him the perfect antidote to the Brazilian winger.

At Liverpool he performs a similar job, though with some nuances. While Kerkez pushes forward constantly on the left, Araujo stays more tucked in, forming a back three with the centre-backs and freeing the Hungarian to attack. That structure gives Iraola's side balance and limits the space in behind the defence.

What is at stake for Liverpool and Araujo in the Champions League

Araujo's next test comes in the Champions League, where Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid. The European tie looks like a demanding challenge for the Uruguayan defender, who will need to maintain the level he showed in the Premier League if he wants to nail down a regular starting spot under Iraola.

Liverpool secured a purchase option worth 55 million euros when they agreed the loan deal with Barcelona. If Araujo keeps performing like this, the Reds' board will have a straightforward decision to make: trigger the clause and secure a reliable defender for years to come.

Araujo is comfortable with Iraola's style of play, built on tempo, intensity and constant individual duels. His profile suits that physical demand perfectly, and his motivation appears fully intact. Atletico Madrid offers another chance to prove it, whether at right-back or back in the heart of the defence.