Liverpool Takes Strategic Chance on Ronald Araujo
Liverpool has made a significant move in the transfer market by signing Ronald Araujo on loan. This decision comes in the wake of discussions among fans regarding whether Araujo is a “pure gamble” signing akin to Federico Chiesa, and how his statistics compare to other defenders.
Chiesa, who played a pivotal role in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, was recognized in Serie A’s Team of the Year during his inaugural season with Juventus in 2020-21, before his career was hampered by injuries.
Araujo, on the other hand, has demonstrated his capability as a reliable defender. He has accrued over 200 appearances for Barcelona and has contributed to the club’s three La Liga titles. Although he faced challenges last season, his arrival is expected to fortify Liverpool’s defensive lineup with much-needed experience.
Statistics from Opta reveal that since Araujo’s debut season in 2019-20, he boasts the highest duel success rate among defenders who have made at least 100 appearances in La Liga, at 65.6%. Comparatively, Virgil van Dijk ranks as the Premier League’s top defender with a success rate of 72.6%.
Furthermore, during the same period, Araujo has the lowest average of being dribbled past in Europe’s major leagues, recorded at 0.13 times per 90 minutes. Van Dijk follows closely with an average of 0.16.
The urgency surrounding Araujo’s transfer hints at a calculated risk. He was only informed about Liverpool’s interest last Wednesday, spoke with manager Andoni Iraola on Thursday, and arrived in England by the weekend.
Despite the inherent risks, the financial terms appear favorable for Liverpool, as they are not required to pay a loan fee or any obligation to purchase Araujo at the end of the season. Araujo has also agreed to a pay cut to facilitate the deal.
Some of you have been asking via our Liverpool Ask Me Anything form whether or not Ronald Araujo is a “pure gamble” signing like Federico Chiesa and how his stats compare to other defenders.
When Liverpool went for Chiesa, it is worth remembering he had a decent CV.
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Having starred in Italy’s winning run to the Euro 2020 title, he was named in Serie A’s Team of the Year during his debut season at Juventus in 2020-21, all before he was affected by injuries.
Similarly, Araujo is a proven talent. He has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona and won three La Liga titles.
The Uruguay international did struggle last season, so it is a risky move, but with Liverpool’s defensive situation, he should bring plenty of experience.
According to Opta, since his debut season in 2019-20 at Barcelona, Araujo has the highest duel success rate of any defender to make at least 100 appearances in La Liga at 65.6%. In the same period, the top ranked defender in the Premier League is Virgil van Dijk (72.6 per cent).
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And since his debut, the two defenders with the lowest dribbled past average (per 90) in Europe’s big five leagues are Araujo (0.13 – 14 times in 143 appearances) and Van Dijk (0.16 – 34 times in 212 appearances).
The speed of the move suggests there are hints of a gamble, with Araujo only made aware of Liverpool’s interest last Wednesday. He then spoke to Andoni Iraola via a call on Thursday and by the weekend he was in England.
Given his statistics, it is a calculated gamble – with Liverpool also not paying a loan fee, Araujo agreeing to a pay cut and the Reds having no obligation to buy at the end of his season-long loan.
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