Andoni Iraola can go full Mikel Arteta and solve Liverpool’s full-back woes for good next week
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How should Andoni Iraola now manage Liverpool’s right-back situation moving forward? Ronald Araujo was SUPERB against Ipswich Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC Recognising the damage Jeremie Frimpong has been doing in this respect at the beginning of the season, Andoni Iraola made a step towards Arteta’s model on Friday, by picking Ronald Araujo at right-back.Araujo did really well, and Liverpool looked much more resolute defensively with a natural centre-back covering the right side.
Fans are now calling for Araujo to be a regular starter for the Reds, and with Milos Kerkez still something of a problem on the other side, Iraola will have the chance to do something similar and play Joe Gomez at left-back when he returns to fitness next week.Liverpool can play four centre-backs in defenceLiverpool fans have often poked fun at Arteta and Arsenal for playing in such a defensive manner, but the truth is that it has worked for the Gunners in what is now a much more physical Premier League.The system does have its drawbacks, and Reds fans would much rather see the fast, attacking play that Iraola is known for, but there are times when it pays to shut up shop and look to nick a goal.Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Andoni Iraola shares how close Bradley Barcola is to full fitness after Liverpool debut vs IpswichManchester City had been doing something similar under Pep Guardiola for a while, showing that it is possible to find the balance.By signing Kerkez and Frimpong in 2025, Liverpool signalled that they will not be doing the same, but the truth is that the two players look out of their depth.Kerkez was poor once again at Ipswich, diving in recklessly a number of times and simply leaving Liverpool exposed. Like Frimpong, he should be taken out of the firing line, but Kostas Tsimikas is hardly a better option, leaving Iraola with his hands tied.According to the Basque, Gomez will return to training next week, though, and it is true to say that the 29-year-old’s best football of recent season, during the 2023/24 campaign under Jurgen Klopp, came while playing at left-back.Having played as an auxiliary full-back for years, Gomez is a little more attacking than Araujo was at Portman Road, and would give Liverpool a good balance in defence and going forward.
What did you think of Bradley Barcola’s Liverpool debut against Ipswich? The Frenchman could get his first start against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC This would not be the way forward in every match, but after watching their rivals go down the centre-back at full-back route with good results, Liverpool will finally have the option of doing the same.