Araújo Key to Liverpool Set-Piece Improvement, Says Iraola 2026

Ronald Araújo has emerged as a key factor in Liverpool’s improved set-piece defense, according to head coach Andoni Iraola. The Uruguayan defender’s height and physicality have helped transform a backline that struggled massively last season.

Liverpool have not conceded a single set-piece goal in the Premier League this season and have shipped only one overall—Conor Gallagher’s consolation header in Tottenham’s Carabao Cup defeat at Anfield in September. That lone goal came past Giorgi Mamardashvili, highlighting the remarkable resilience of Iraola’s side.

This stands in stark contrast to last season when Arne Slot’s team conceded 20 non-penalty set-piece goals in the Premier League—joint-most in the competition alongside Crystal Palace and Iraola’s Bournemouth. The turnaround has been nothing short of dramatic.

Why Araújo’s Presence Matters

Iraola specifically pointed to Araújo’s deployment at right-back as a crucial tactical shift. “It definitely helps having a centre-back at right-back when we talk about defending set pieces,” Iraola said. “It helps with the height and the physicality of the team.”

The Liverpool boss also acknowledged the trade-off: “It helps us to defend better but it is true that you also lose a little bit offensively on the other side. Offensively we cannot demand of Ronald the same thing as other full-backs and what they give us, but we have to balance this with other patterns.”

Araújo’s aerial ability and strength in duels have shored up a defense that was previously vulnerable from corners and free-kicks. His presence allows Liverpool to better cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

The Coaching Behind the Numbers

While Araújo’s individual impact is clear, Iraola credits his assistants, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, along with the club’s analysts, for the improved set-piece figures. Their work on the training ground has clearly paid dividends.

“It’s a collective effort,” Iraola noted. “The staff have done an excellent job preparing the players for different scenarios, and the players have bought into it.” The result is a defense that has become one of the most resilient in the league.

Liverpool’s next test comes against Arsenal, a team that scored 25 set-piece goals (excluding penalties) last season. Iraola admitted the Gunners pose the “biggest challenge” to his team’s defensive record on Sunday.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Season

Set-piece solidity could be the difference between challenging for the title and falling short. Last season, those 20 conceded goals cost Liverpool valuable points. This time around, the Reds look far more secure.

With Araújo in the side, Liverpool have a defender capable of nullifying the threat of opposing set-piece specialists. His ability to win headers and clear danger has been a cornerstone of the improved record.

• Araújo’s height and physicality have directly improved Liverpool’s aerial defense.
• Zero set-piece goals conceded in the Premier League this season.
• Coaching staff Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper deserve credit for the tactical work.
• Arsenal poses the biggest test with their own set-piece prowess.
• Balance needed between defensive solidity and offensive output from full-backs.

Comparing Set-Piece Defenses: Last Season vs. This Season

The data underscores just how significant the improvement has been. Liverpool have gone from being one of the most vulnerable teams from set pieces to the most resilient.

Arsenal: The Ultimate Test

Arsenal’s set-piece threat is well documented. They scored 25 such goals last season, and their delivery from corners and free-kicks is among the best in the league. Iraola knows his team will need to be at their best.

“Arsenal are probably the biggest challenge in this aspect,” he said. “We know we have to be focused for every set piece, because they have quality and they will punish any mistake.” The match on Sunday will provide a clear indication of whether Liverpool’s set-piece improvement is genuine or merely a product of easier fixtures.

Looking Ahead

The addition of Araújo has given Liverpool a new dimension defensively. His presence allows the team to stand up to the physicality of the Premier League, and his experience at the highest level is invaluable.

As the season progresses, Iraola will need to manage the balance between defense and attack. Araújo’s offensive contributions may be limited, but his defensive solidity is worth the trade-off. The challenge is to integrate him without sacrificing the team’s attacking fluidity.

Liverpool’s set-piece record will be tested repeatedly, starting with Arsenal. If they can maintain their current level, it could be a foundation for a successful campaign.

For more on Liverpool’s tactical evolution, see our analysis of Andoni Iraola backing his staff to cure Liverpool’s set-piece issues. The article delves into the coaching methods behind the improvement.

Off the pitch, Liverpool’s transfer strategy has also drawn attention. The club recently signed Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona, a move that has already paid dividends. Meanwhile, fans are eager to see how Virgil van Dijk’s transfer plans unfold as the season progresses.

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