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Van Dijk paid highest compliment possible by Araujo before Liverpool meeting

· Luke Thrower · 2026-08-09 · nguồn gốc

Ronald Araujo paid Virgil van Dijk highest compliment possible before Liverpool meeting Liverpool's backline is set for a new look this season, with the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo set to shake things up for Andoni Iraola. Impending Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo once claimed he has tried to learn from Virgil van Dijk, believing that the defender has been one of the best in the world. It comes as the Uruguayan is set to partner the Dutch international in the coming season, after Liverpool agreed a loan deal with Barcelona for the versatile star. The move will cover his salary, while the Reds also have the option of a permanent deal at the end of the season, which could see Araujo sign a long-term contract at Anfield depending on his performances. Before then, Liverpool fans will be keen to see how the 27-year-old performs for the club, as he could help fulfil a role as either a centre-back or as a right-back. Either way, Araujo is likely to be part of a new-look backline under Andoni Iraola, with Ibrahima Konate's exit making way for the new arrivals. The Barcelona loanee is joined by Jeremy Jacquet, who officially joined the club from Rennes this summer, with the youngster looking to make himself a long-term option for the team moving forward. There's also a return for Giovanni Leoni, who injured his ACL on his debut last season, with the new campaign giving him a second chance to introduce himself to the Liverpool fans once again. With the youngsters and new players in place, it will be up to the club captain Van Dijk to steer them all through any challenges that could come up during the season. In Araujo, the experienced centre-back certainly has an admirer, who in 2023 claimed that he tries to learn plenty from the Liverpool ace. He said: "There are various players I watch and I try to take the best from each of them. These days it’s Van Dijk. Manchester City’s defenders as well are playing at a good level this season [2022/23]. "I analyse a bit from all of them: the movements they make, how they move the ball, trying to learn.” Now Araujo has the chance to learn from Van Dijk up close, as the pair could partner one another at centre-back for the upcoming season. At 27, the Uruguayan international has some experience leading in a similar way to the Dutch international, captaining his side over the past year or so. Now he will be looking to offer that same leadership and quality to Liverpool, in what could be a huge year, and perhaps more, ahead at Anfield for Araujo.