Van Dijk hails Barcelona loanee Araujo: 'He was captain of Barcelona for a reason'

Van Dijk hails Barcelona loanee Araujo after impressive start to campaign

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo following a strong start to the season with his new club. The Uruguayan defender has made seven appearances since arriving on loan and has quickly settled into life in England.

The Dutchman, speaking to Sky Sports, made clear he has been impressed by what he has seen from the 26-year-old, who has been deployed at right-back despite that not being his natural position.

“He is a great player. I don’t think he was the captain of Barcelona for no reason,” Van Dijk said. “He is a fantastic player. He is not a natural right-back, but he has filled in the best way possible, and I am pleased for him. It has been an intense couple of weeks for him.

“So hopefully now in this international break, he can get a little bit of rest before the chaos will start when we come back. It is down to the whole team, but obviously he did very well so far.”

Araujo has settled in well under his manager, who noted the move has helped the defender rediscover the form that had deserted him during a frustrating period of limited game time at Barcelona under Hansi Flick. With the international break offering a chance to recharge, expectations are high that the loanee will continue to impress for the remainder of the campaign.