Jamie Carragher has lavished praise on Ronald Araújo, declaring that the Uruguayan defender has already established himself as a cult hero at Anfield in the space of just a couple of matches.

Araújo arrived at Liverpool on loan from Barcelona to an uncertain reception, but his physical intensity, defensive reliability at right-back, and sheer determination have swiftly earned him the adoration of the Anfield crowd.

Speaking on the club's official website, Carragher was candid about the impact the centre-back has had in an unfamiliar position: "Liverpool have had an issue at right-back. That was the point in bringing him in. He wasn't just brought in at centre-back; it was to do a job at right-back."

The former Liverpool defender went on to describe the remarkable speed with which Araújo has won supporters over: "He's almost, in two games, really, he's become a cult hero. The fans have absolutely fallen in love with him straight away."

Carragher also pointed to the narrative surrounding the defender's departure from Barcelona as a factor that endeared him to the Liverpool faithful: "Sometimes you have players like that, you know, they've come, they've got a bit of a backstory, at Barcelona maybe they were happy to see him go, but the Liverpool supporters opened their arms and gave him a big cuddle, and he seems to be enjoying it."

The sentiment from the dugout mirrors that of the terraces. Manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his own delight at Araújo's performances, praising his adaptability and his ability to contribute in the attacking phase — none more so than a standout assist in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid.