I do think there’s an argument for buying both of them, certainly if both Virgil and Gomez leave.
Not sure what to think about Virgil, if the club consider giving him a one year extension or if they’re thinking this is it. We’ll probably find out the coming months, but at the moment there’s a lot of uncertainty about how the position looks a year from now. Lots of possibilities for Iraola to make changes to the defensive lineup.
Maybe it depends how he thinks about the right back position.
I could see the club, or the sporting people making those decisions, thinking that Virgil is good to be kept for more. But it will also be a question for him, what he wants to do. Lenght of contract, etc. I’ve read somewhere a while ago that his agents made a quick verifying call to Real two summers ago, just to check if they would be open for a move or not. Understandable that they weren’t, given what they had at CB (also age and wages wise) and their needs elsewhere at the time.
But like we saw many times in the game, drops of level can be sudden, rapid and you don’t see them around the corner.
I remember this with Thiago Silva. He was great, one of the absolute best in the league, up until he suddenly wasn’t anymore. But he was also about 38 or 39 then, incredible how long he managed to stay at the highest level.
Yeah, I thought of him as I was writing that post.
I could see Virgil still being high quality post the age of 35.
But of course, football is a team game, so for some players to do it, they also need the environment around them. Even if they are key players.
Virgil recently said how he feels really good and sees himself having a long career. Every player will verbally back himself, but I actually believe him.
If he has a good season , I’d look for him to stay providing the wages are manageable.
The transfer fee isn’t a huge issue and we can look to negotiate on that as well if Araujo really likes it here in Liverpool.
He’s not going to be a replacement for Virgil but as an older head where there will be 2-3 young CBs who need to be mentored , he’ll do a fair job.
I think Jacquet can easily play as a No 6 and if Ronnie gets injured he can slot back in as CH and vice versa.
I just hope no I beg the club to extend Virgil for another two years as he will help at least JJ, Leoni and Ndukwe to bed in and gain valuable experience and learn from the master. I even hope he retires still playing for Liverpool. And join the previous Liverpool colossi ie Lawler,Hughes,thompson, Huyppia étal.
Yes he could play 6 if he was facing forward all the time, but it is a different kettle of fish receiving a ball on the half turn or with your back to play whilst under pressure from his opposite number.
Get him signed up, that is all.
He’s going to be a cult hero isn’t he? Can’t wait until he gets his definitive song because it will be a classic.
I read on reddit that when playing for Uruguay, he usually played as a FB rather than CB. Who are the other CBs in the Uruguay team?
So far so good. Great work to win the wall back for the goal and a nice flick. He was solid too throughout.
Does his job, has the determination and desire we´ve lacked and is combative. In general he´s actually a bit clumsy and uncomfortable on the ball but he just gets rid of it. No messing around.
Couldn´t ask for much more.
That’s all fans want, see that and we will love you!
Yep and I think the fans made it clear to him.
Was thinking it must feel good for him right now, after being at Barca and what happened.
Yep, he will be on cloud 9 atm being lauded by proper fans, rather than the abuse he got from Barca fans.
I’ve been impressed so far.
I particularly like that a RB has been chosen on defensive capability first rather than a speedy converted winger. It seems over the last generation wide fullbacks must bomb forward at every opportunity with pinpoint crosses. That’s great, it works but sometimes defensive skills ain’t a bad attribute under real pressure and in my opinion has been overlooked in favour of attacking prowess.
So far so good with the loan.
At last we have a defender who tackles.
This guy is looking like a breath of fresh air,so far he has been pretty hard to fault.At this rate hanging on to him would be a no brainer!
Bit of Barca’s Joga Bonito on display last night.
https://x.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/2097965046756216946
James Pearce On Ronald Araujo:
“Sources close to the player — speaking anonymously as they did not have permission to talk — say he feels energised by a change of scenery and a fresh challenge.
He recently moved into a house a short drive from Liverpool’s training complex with wife Abigail and their two daughters. He has also hired an English tutor so he now has extra lessons at home on top of those he’s having at the club.
In the dressing room, he has established a close bond with Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, helped by the fact they both speak Spanish. There’s also a strong connection with Alisson, who he speaks Portuguese with.”
Gift article