Troy Deeney has apologised to Ronald Araujo after admitting he made a mistake in labelling the defender a 'desperate signing' for Liverpool, having been impressed by the player's performances.
The 27-year-old joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona over the summer and has quickly established himself in Andoni Iraola's side. Araujo has made 11 appearances for the club, scoring two goals, including one in the 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal on Tuesday night. Despite preferring a central defensive role, the Uruguayan has been deployed at right-back and has impressed in that position.
Deeney's Change of Heart
Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Watford captain admitted he had initially doubted whether Araujo would fit in at Liverpool. 'I have to give him credit, and I also have to pull myself up because I like to consider myself a fair individual,' Deeney said.
'At the start of the season, when they signed him, I thought it was a desperate signing. I'd seen him at Barcelona, and again, he's very aggressive, very front-footed, I didn't know whether his style of play would adjust to what Liverpool are trying to do.'
Impressive Form at Right-Back
Deeney has been particularly impressed with Araujo's displays at right-back, praising his physical attributes and football intelligence. 'But since he's been in at right-back, he has been amazing. Him and [Jeremy] Jacquet, they've been the best two players, by far,' he said.
'He's so big, strong, powerful, understanding of the game, he reads it really well, obviously offers them playing at right-back but also can play at centre-half when needed. I've been really, really impressed.'
Deeney also noted a change in Araujo's influence compared to his time at Barcelona, saying: 'He gives a calming influence which is really strange. Anyone who watched Barcelona last year, he didn't give that because of the way Barcelona were playing, and obviously you can only judge based on what you've seen. So I owe him an apology. Very, very good, very impressive so far this season.'
Araujo's Delight at Liverpool
Araujo, who had been at Barcelona since 2018, has enjoyed his first move to England. Speaking to Cadena Ser, he said: 'Honestly, it's been great. I'm very, very happy, both with the win and with how well I've settled in. I was genuinely blown away by the people at the club, and I'm just really happy to be playing, which was the most important thing.'
The defender added that he felt the change was necessary for his career. 'I definitely needed that change. I was very clear about it; when the season ended and we headed to the World Cup, it was a decision I felt very sure of. I spoke with the club, with [Barcelona sporting director] Deco, and with the manager, and they made it very easy for me. They helped me a lot. I think that here I'm finding what I needed, which was to play, to feel important, and to showcase my style of football.'
