Liverpool Banter 4

08 Aug 2026 18:19:31
I think there has been an interesting debate recently on here, the idea that you shouldn't criticise any Liverpool players and they should get full support all the time.

This is both correct and incorrect in my opinion.

Criticism is fine when it's both constructive and civilised. The problem is when it's derogatory and/or personal (I hate seeing people refer to players as 'deadwood').

I know in coaching from the ones I've seen and worked with that criticism is actually encouraged. Part of my job is helping players accept criticism and process it correctly.



There's nothing wrong with being skeptical or critical of a transfer or performance etc. Express it the right way though.

Neverending cheerleading is just as unhealthy as unwarranted or personal criticism.

There's a balance somewhere and people need to find that. At the moment it's the extremes on here with half people saying (for example) Araujo will be replacing Van Dijk and he should get endless praise while the other side are being too harsh and definitely too personal.

08 Aug 2026 19:06:54
How can he get any? Praise or criticism? He hasn't played a minute for the club yet! What I will say is that he is nothing like the previous loan signings of Kabak, Caulker or Davies etc, as this guy played 34 games last season at a very top level club with some exceptionally good players.

08 Aug 2026 20:00:20
@Nevada: "This is both correct and incorrect."

Oh no! We're back to Schrodinger's cat again!
(The alive & dead one in the quantum physics analogy).

08 Aug 2026 20:14:07
Nevada, I think your points are well perceived. In the end, anything that goes to the extreme on any issue becomes toxic, whether it be positive or negative.

The issue here is that it seems like there can be no middle ground on things like signings. It seems it has to be OTT on either side, and that is what breeds toxicity.

08 Aug 2026 20:26:33
Nice one, Clay. 😁👍

08 Aug 2026 21:39:51
Like everything, there is a middle ground.

I don't think it's either bash the player or big him up like prime Messi is coming.

I don't think I've seen anyone be overly positive other than actually just be positive about the merits of it.



But, on the "bash" him side, you'd think that this was the worst defender in history arriving.

So, in terms of extreme reactions, I think the "bash him" guys take the win.

08 Aug 2026 22:27:36
What's the most extreme reaction you've seen on here, Faith?

All I've seen is people mention Facebook and insta reactions, which is hardly relevant to this site.

08 Aug 2026 18:11:29
So I was wondering about the possible work permit ban for Argentina players.

How would that appear to us?

Would it force a sale?
Would it affect the price?

I mean, most of us accept that we've already seen the best we're going to get from Maca (being diplomatic there). So what gives.

08 Aug 2026 19:34:54
To be fair, if any of our lads got banned from working in the UK, it would only mean they'd be doing the same number of training sessions as last season.

08 Aug 2026 16:49:12
I don’t get the moaning about Araujo signing when people were happy for Konsa to be signed.
England's defence is probably the worst it’s been in cb and Konsa still can’t guarantee his place.
Am more than happy with getting Araujo on loan with Virgil Gomez and the young cb we have.


Arsenal’s defence will not be as strong this season when they clap down on all the fouls they got away with.
Football can’t carry on like it did last season because people will lose interest.

08 Aug 2026 17:23:53
Grino, we had people wanting Konsa, Stones, Collins, and whinging about not getting Guehi.

Araujo is better than all of them, but they are still not happy.

Guehi and Konsa were both awful in the World Cup, and Guehi has been shocking for City.

He’s a left of a back 3 CB where he doesn’t get exposed so much. Playing in a 2 for City, he’s a weak link.

Araujo is a decent, low risk signing, similar to when Arsenal got Hincapie on loan last season. If he does well, we’ll buy him, if not, we won’t.

08 Aug 2026 17:39:32
Grino, I was never ever happy for Konsa to be signed.

08 Aug 2026 18:06:37
I'm just relieved we won't be signing Djed Spence. Not sure a single person would have bought his name on the shirt. Not even Mrs Spence.

08 Aug 2026 18:12:57
I think the legitimate concern amongst some is that the defending in Premier League and La Liga is very very different.

A player who took time out because he was struggling to adapt to fast highline defending has now come to a team who plays fast highline defending only in a league which is much much faster, much more physical and aggressive. That alone should give him time for adaptation, but he also needs to adapt to new surroundings, new people, new culture, new food, new weather.

This is part of what I do for a living, helping foreign players adapt to new leagues - people drastically underestimate how difficult this is.

In addition to that, he's not coming into a settled team just looking for cover, he's gonna need to go straight into the starting 11 knowing that if he makes mistakes (like Ibou did and Trent did) he will get torched like crazy by the fans - and this was the entire reason he took a mental health break, because fans reacted badly to his mistakes.



So I hope fans are ready to insulate him from any and all criticism, because at least in the first 3 months, he'll need it.

By the time he gets the hang of the team and league (if he does, because again, he took a break because he was struggling with this style of football under Flick), his loan will be finished.

08 Aug 2026 18:28:52
Yeah, because Frimpong shirts have been flying off the shelves.

08 Aug 2026 18:31:55
Nevada, please get your facts right.

Give the lad a chance for God's sake!

I know it's all down to opinions, but show a little bit of faith in Iraola. Araujo is better than many defenders the fan clamour for.

You can't become a captain at Barca by being dross. He is in our colours now, get behind him and I'm sure you lot will eat your words. Btw, I think he's an upgrade on Konate.

08 Aug 2026 18:46:14
I agree, Rios aka Beckers peckers. I also hate it when other posters have a different opinion to me on the internet.

Needs to be stamped out on this open forum.

08 Aug 2026 19:35:38
I'm sure Arteta will spend another £400 million on bricklayers before the end of the window.

08 Aug 2026 19:03:07
Says the guy constantly digging at OliRed for having a different opinion.

08 Aug 2026 19:53:33
Cheers for taking the time to notice, mate. 👍

08 Aug 2026 20:42:07
Seen loads of posts on here from people saying how good Araujo is. Can't pretend to have watched an awful lot of him. He seems to be rated as one of Barca's better defenders. Why do people reckon so they've been willing to loan him out?

08 Aug 2026 20:43:56
@Fifth, I know you mean well, but trust me when I tell you this: I propose you just leave this one alone.

Why? It's not worth your time and energy, man. I don't engage for a reason.

I promise, you'll thank me later.

08 Aug 2026 21:00:12
Florian, I think it's well documented that he has struggled recently, maybe he thinks a fresh start will be good for him. Plays well, gets a move for EUR55m at the end of the season. If it doesn't work out, then at least he can say he tried something different. I hope it works for him, he's a decent player.

08 Aug 2026 21:13:31
Florian, Barca have a young first choice CB pairing, and Araujo is on major wages, so that's probably why they felt they could move him on. Probably better to lose Araujo than someone coming in for Kounde and having to make the deal for financial reasons.

I think Barca always sailing close to the wind with finances means they have to make more creative deals.



Or perhaps he told them he wanted a clean break after last season's issues.

Plenty of reasons they could have sanctioned the loan deal (and equally possible we're not getting a good deal and he won't cut it).

08 Aug 2026 20:51:49
I concur with Oli save your time and energy

Just to clarify I don't dig Oli because he has a different opinion. I dig him because he's a condescending plastic.

08 Aug 2026 21:47:11
Woozers, went more-read what Oli said and couldn't find something that deserved that response? Maybe history between ya!?

I think Nevada's points about settling into the country are valid in a general sense as well as the insight about him taking time out.

What is hope for is that at 27, he is at an age and stage to step into the challenge.

Total stereotype here but I looking forward to seeing some Latino kinda fire in our backline.



At his best, Araujo is quick, strong, good in air and ground duels.

Let for us is whether this opportunity away from Barca and in our environment helps him get back to his best. It's hardly like he's a used tyre so the upside is worth it imo especially on loan.

I posted about this point a day or so ago - business-wise it makes sense especially if the move for a permanent player we wanted this window wasn't there.

08 Aug 2026 22:07:18
Didn't want any of Konsa, Stones, Collins, or Guehi. I don't rate Araujo and never have. Rash, indisciplined, injury prone, and has more than his fair share of Konate-style brain farts. This has a distinct whiff of Arthur Melo about it, and much with Melo and Juve, there's a reason Barca are happy to get shot. I remain very sceptical of this deal.

08 Aug 2026 23:52:33
I agree with you, VV. However, the man is here now, and I've already said my piece about it, so I'm leaving it alone now. It's all going to get real in 2 weeks' time.

09 Aug 2026 03:42:38
Isn't defending about stopping the opposition by taking the ball from them? Isn't that a universal concept? Apparently Araujo is very good in one on one situations. I don't see how any defence system doesn't have that goal. Pun intended.

09 Aug 2026 07:54:29
What Nevada has said makes an awful lot of sense to me.

09 Aug 2026 08:07:02
A lot of people seemingly haven't seen him play, definitely haven't seen him play. He was in the top five CBs in the world until recently.

08 Aug 2026 16:42:14
Hi eds1
I'll be honest I've never heard of Ronald Araújo and know nothing about him. Is he any good mate?

{Ed001's Note - yes. Quick, strong and aggressive, though a bit rash and not the greatest on the ball.}

08 Aug 2026 17:21:16
Can he cover RB eds1?

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

08 Aug 2026 20:17:04
And cover long throw-ins, and corners, at 1.9 metres tall, a tickle under 6 foot three inches. Andoni threw everyone a curved ball with a loan rather than a straight transfer (even ITKs kept completely in the dark). He's at the crossroads, it seems, for his future, has the possibility to be a dual Barcelona Captain and future LFC Captain, if he plays his cards right. Not bad to have on your CV; in fact, he would be the first?

Coca Cola (he's all Fizz at £150 million, drinkable at 100 million Euros) never played in the PSG (1) v Man Utd (1) friendly this afternoon, Zabarnyi, Mbaye did. UEFA Super Cup Final this coming Wednesday will reveal more.

PSG v Villa in Austria, TNT 20:00 hrs. I'm quite happy with the Andoni Coup today, he's clever and shrewd. Andoni, no doubts on that front, that's a Manager's decision, not a coach's decision.

I'm so happy I'm going to have a drink, but it won't be Coca Cola at £150 million? Let's be realistic, Enrique. We bow to that figure, and it gives them a future advantage over the club when our paths certainly cross again, it's brinkmanship to be polite! Andoni is quite a good poker player! He will cash his chips in and find another alternative, thus reversing the advantage to LFC going forward into the future.

P.S. (but no G!) That's Andoni, the Liverpool way for me!

08 Aug 2026 23:55:25
We don't need him to cover RB. We need a proper RB. Unfortunately, going by this appointment, I doubt we'll purchase one, but it's a definite requirement.

09 Aug 2026 04:06:11
I'm hopeful we don't buy a RB with Bradley, Frimpong, Ataujo, Ramsay and Gomez all capable of playing in the position. Ideally, not buying one means we will have at least one thing to whinge about throughout the season.

08 Aug 2026 16:40:59
I think araujo will be our vvd replacement.

There I said it. I have full confidence in him turning it up at anfield.
If nothing he brings the fight bite and physicality which we have been missing. Proper CB him and we all know we needed one so bad.

I know these loans hardly work out and i understand everyone's concerns but mark my words one year from now we will be triggering that sign on clause with open arms waiting for our new defender in chief.

Now time for unveiling the surprise winger and RB additions next Mr Hughes.

08 Aug 2026 20:45:43
@Last, I disagree. There is no way on this earth that we brought in a CB with all to prove on loan (a very good CB/RB with proven quality, I agree) to become VVD's replacement.

I just don't see that happening.

09 Aug 2026 06:09:51
Oli, I think he means beyond this season. Virg will be done after this season. I think OP is suggesting that we bed him in/try before you buy this year and then take up our £47mil option to buy.

08 Aug 2026 16:18:06
Barcola not in PSG squad today, but Mbaye is and has scored in 2 mins! Zabarnyi also in the first 11, although I think Araujo covers CB now.

08 Aug 2026 16:55:06
Barcola doesn't return for pre season until Monday.

08 Aug 2026 17:06:12
Good point, Shipley!

I clearly heard hooves and thought zebras, not horses!

08 Aug 2026 20:26:29
Well spotted, ShipleyKopite, that Barcola is indeed on his World Cup hols, very good insight, so he won't play in the UEFA Super Cup this Wednesday or be involved! Could it be him returning to Paris Airport when he returns? Or watch the private aeroplanes into JLA Monday morning?

08 Aug 2026 23:57:31
The Zabyarni boat has now sailed, unfortunately. He would have been a shrewd appointment imo.

08 Aug 2026 14:36:53
I expect ridicule from rival fans, but some of the comments I've seen from our own fans about Ronald Araújo online are excessive. Admittedly, I haven't seen it on this forum, but I have elsewhere.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion on a player's footballing ability, but some fans making derogatory comments about his past mental health struggles is nothing short of disgusting. Let's get behind the lad when he joins. He has a lot to prove, and there's no better player to help guide him than VVD.

Btw, I think the plan is to play Araújo at right-back of sorts, with Jacquet partnering VVD on the left. Kerkez will have licence to bomb forward, and when he does, we effectively revert to a back three with Jacquet at LCB, VVD at CB and Araújo at RCB.

Leoni will be eased in because he's recovering from an ACL injury, not because of any concerns over his ability.

08 Aug 2026 17:17:54
I know, I have read some fans on X and FB saying they hope he gets injured. What is wrong with some people? Why would you want any of our players to get injured?

08 Aug 2026 18:02:31
The perks of social media are its anonymity.
You can be what or who you want.
Highly doubtful Liverpool fans hope he gets injured, but the one who says he is often isn't.
Wish him nothing but the best, and hope he excels at all he does!

08 Aug 2026 13:56:32
I've never seen such a reaction to signing a player! Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the truth is none of us know yet how this signing will go. We have signed players for massive money with the world at their feet and it didn't work out. We have signed players for buttons and they done great. Let's just give the lad a chance.

08 Aug 2026 14:19:19
I remember people ridiculing the mere idea of signing Ousmane Dembele when he left Barcelona. Attitude and injury issues people said. Waste of money, made of glass, doesn't try, all he eats is McDonalds etc. 3 League titles, 2 Cups, 2 Champions Leagues and a Ballon d'Or later, those people look pretty silly now. Sometimes a change of scenery can be massive in terms of getting a career back on track.

Don't get me wrong, I fully understand why many people are cautious or a little bit underwhelmed by the Araujo signing.

But some of the reactions have just been a disgrace. Especially those mocking his mental health difficulties. To me it seems pretty clear that Iraola is having a huge say on our transfer choices. Munoz and Araujo both coming from La Liga is not a coincidence in my opinion. So let's trust in our new gaffer and see what he can do. 🤷🏻‍♂️

08 Aug 2026 14:28:25
MK, agree on all of that. Interesting, both signings came out of nowhere, and both from Spain, so maybe the boss is having his say. Fingers crossed for at least two more.

08 Aug 2026 14:36:18
Exactly MK, remember when we signed the best midfielder on the planet in Naby Keita. I was so excited, but he didn't set the world alight. Other signings like Milner on a free had me scratching my head. Of course I'd love us to sign 100mill players for every potion, but that's not realistic.

A top winger is the priority this year. Next summer we will probably need to replace VVD, so this signing makes sense. If he is, could we get him for less than 50 million. If not, centre backs will probably be priority and we can go after the best available.

08 Aug 2026 14:53:23
Not sure how close Iraola is to Bielsa, but you would hope they have spoken about the player.

08 Aug 2026 15:27:27
It's just babies. Children who only know how to socialise through social media. Unfortunately, it's the generation we live in. Should never have the platform to do so, but then we all read it.

08 Aug 2026 15:45:28
Do you all remember Gary McAllister, Andrew Robertson, James Milner? Give the lad a chance to put his boots on!

08 Aug 2026 16:07:09
Keita is easily one of the most wanted players for us I ever saw on here and Twitter. Absolutely hilarious. New waves of fans every year without a f****** clue.

08 Aug 2026 16:10:39
I agree with you, Mks. Now I differ with the Dembele analogy cos trust me, Dembele was a train wreck and a half when he left Barca. And frankly, there were teams that were nowhere near him cos he was undisciplined, had attitude issues, used to miss training for diverse reasons, you name it.

And many clubs were right to stay clear of him back then.

Indeed, he has done well for himself esp. when PSG came in for him and rehabilitated him well, and credit to him for sorting things out personally. However, let's not make it sound like he and Araujo were in the same boat. They aren't. Just my take.

Cheers, man.

08 Aug 2026 15:56:27
The reaction from this site is nothing compared to what's on other social media platforms so I'd imagine the Eds had to filter out a few nasty ones. Some of the things I've read on other sites is downright disgraceful and I am disappointed at the reaction from the so-called fans. I can only hope Araujo and the other players don't read those kind of stuff

08 Aug 2026 16:22:19
Adam, I echo everything you say. I shall be very diplomatic when I say that some of the reactions have certainly been a tad overboard.

08 Aug 2026 16:34:50
Dembele was transformed by Enrique. What a manager! However, not a player that should be used as a barometer.

I hope and pray Araujo works out and isn't costing us a fortune. I love it when we improve a player, but our recent loan agreements have to be considered.

It would be folly to expect him to set the world alight.

That being said, I know every supporter in the ground on match day will be backing him 100% for 90 minutes. That is the Liverpool way. Isn't that the point of this forum? To vent and discuss post-match?

08 Aug 2026 16:39:47
Iraola was Bielsa's captain whilst at Bilbao, so it's fair to assume he would have sounded out Bielsa's opinion.

08 Aug 2026 16:48:50
Our loan signings since 2010 have been extremely poor and that's being generous. Not one of these was a success with Kabak & Arthur being particularly poor.

Arthur Melo
Ozan Kabak
Steven Caulker
Javier Manquillo
Victor Moses
Aly Cissokho
Nuri Sahin

Araujo has as many red flags as the Chinese Communist Party, discipline on the pitch, injury issues, far too rash and the number of mistakes he makes is concerning.

This is a desperation signing. Given that our midfield offers the defence no protection, his shortcomings are likely to be equally as exposed as Konate's were.

09 Aug 2026 04:10:53
7 players in 16 years - it's an absolute disgrace. How the hell did we start winning trophies and playing great football - it's unbelievable.

09 Aug 2026 04:13:00
Oh yes, forgot to say... stiff cheddar @Vik. Get over it.

08 Aug 2026 13:25:42
I've been pretty comfortable with the Araujo signing from the off.

Experience ✅✅
Age range ✅
Physicality ✅
Quick ✅

We're paying a proportion of his salary for a year, that's all we're committed to. Gives Leoni, Jacquet and Bradley time and space to recover and adapt to a new coach and a new league and it gives Iraola time to assess their capabilities.

Best case scenario : we've signed an experienced world class versatile defender at his peak.
Worse case scenario - we've just burnt 12m in wages.

08 Aug 2026 14:15:15
I'm with you, Ron.

And if we are paying a portion of his wages, the downside is probably less than £12m.

A few characters are popping out the emojis and continuing the narrative from FIFA.

Having an experienced player available on loan is, in my view, a good thing.

Now we just need to dovetail his and JoGo's time injured!

08 Aug 2026 14:29:01
Ron, totally agree.

08 Aug 2026 15:57:51
Romano has reported that we're paying his full wages so that's about 1mil a month. Still nothing compared to the truly absurd fees we've seen thrown about this summer. And the option to buy is set at apparently 55m euros, so if he does well, that is quite a reasonable price for us to buy him at too.

08 Aug 2026 16:14:08
Agree with all the comments here. Araujo has question marks, and those are legitimate. That does not remove from the immense ability he possesses. There is no question.

All we have to do is to try to help Jim rediscover his former self physically and mentally in a new environment with a manager that actually wants him and a fan base that, regardless of our differing opinions on him, all want him to do well.

At least, I would think so.

I'm excited to see him play, and if we get to keep him then, that would mean he has held his part of the bargain.

08 Aug 2026 16:20:48
Even more excited to see Jim play.

Is it Beglin?

08 Aug 2026 16:53:31
Jim Araujo - someone will be having that username by next week. 😁

08 Aug 2026 20:49:05
Well, what do ya know, Ron & Zed? I may have just found Araujo a decent nickname without even trying.

09 Aug 2026 08:04:31
LOL, Ron and Oli! 🫵🤣🤣🤣 Jim Araujo!!! Love it!!! 🤣🤣🤣💥