Ronald Araujo's thunderous challenge late in Liverpool's Premier League win over Brighton encapsulated the renewed hunger and desire coursing through this growing Liverpool team at present.
As Brighton continued to press and probe in pursuit of the goal that would drag them back into the game, substitute Malick Yalcouye attempted to wriggle his way into space down the Liverpool right. Enter Araujo, whose thunderous challenge took the ball, the man and was in danger of sweeping the first few rows of the Main Stand along with them.
Anfield Roars Its Approval
Anfield absolutely loved it, roaring their approval. Few Reds players enjoy defending quite as much as Araujo, as was shown in the first half when he attempted a header away while laying prone on the turf.
It seems a little churlish to call Araujo a cult hero, given such a moniker tends to be bestowed on those who are achieving beyond expectations. There's a reason the Uruguay international had eight years at Barcelona. Just like there's a reason Liverpool identified the 28-year-old as an at least temporary answer to the headache of providing cover at centre-back and, as it turns out most pertinently, right-back.
Grit and Determination on Display
What Araujo lacks in technical ability - he was substituted at half-time during the last two games so the Reds could have a greater consistent attacking threat from the position - he more than makes up for in sheer grit, determination and desire.
And all those qualities were evident in the 17th minute with his contribution for the crucial opener, Araujo bouncing off two Brighton players as he advanced down the right before delivering a low cross that ultimately ended with Florian Wirtz's shot being deflected in.
Best Rearguard Action of the Iraola Era
Having rightly had their defending questioned after conceding three goals in three of the last four games, here Liverpool posted their best rearguard action of the formative Andoni Iraola era, Brighton dominating possession second half but managing just one shot on target all game.
Whether Araujo sticks around beyond the end of the season - the Reds have a £47million option to make the move permanent - is for another time. For now, Liverpool have a player to whom the supporters can relate - and whose enthusiasm to defend is rubbing off on his team-mates.
