The woes of his replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, haven't aided matters either at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola swiftly resorting to deploying new man Ronald Araujo as a makeshift option instead.

The on-loan Uruguayan has quickly won over those on Merseyside, but is he really Liverpool's long-term solution on that side?

How Araujo has proved an instant hit at Liverpool

Araujo's arrival almost came as a bolt from the blue, it must be said, with there having been little speculation in the lead-up to Fabrizio Romano's announcement over the summer.

The ability to sign a player of such experience on an initial loan deal from Barcelona also raised eyebrows, the 27-year-old having not too long ago been among the captains at Camp Nou.

In any case, while it is still early days, Araujo has the potential to be a real cult figure at Anfield, as Jamie Carragher noted, already looking like a real upgrade on Frimpong and co in that right-back berth.

He's not a flying, Trent-esque full-back, but he's provided some much-needed balance down that side, having now started each of the last three Premier League games.

A centre-back by trade, he's something of a brick wall at the back, having been dribbled past just 0.2 times per game so far. Frimpong, by contrast, has been dribbled past once per outing already this season.

Therein lies the difference, with Araujo doing his hopes of a permanent stay no harm.

Will Liverpool sign Araujo permanently?

There have been conflicting reports over whether the Reds will take up their option-to-buy, with one Spanish outlet claiming that returning sporting director, Julian Ward, is already looking to trigger that £47m clause.

In the view of TEAMtalk last week, however, the Merseysiders haven't quite made their mind up as yet, with any discussion over a permanent stay likely to wait until the New Year.

There's also the issue of Araujo's age, as he is set to turn 28 this season, with Liverpool unlikely to receive any return on their investment if they do stump up their £47m fee.

Equally too, while the defender had grown frustrated with his peripheral role back at Barcelona, he doesn't view his time in Catalonia as completely finished as yet, with plenty set to depend on whether Hansi Flick remains at the helm.

From a Liverpool perspective, the South American arguably needs to maintain his form over a longer period of time too, while there's also the question as to whether an even better option might emerge on the market.

How Liverpool could swiftly upgrade on Araujo

It's a little unfair to judge Araujo solely as a right-back, considering his preferred role is in the centre, yet on the evidence of recent weeks, he's a solid, yet unspectacular option down that side.

He did supply a delightful assist for Dominik Szoboszlai in the win over Atletico Madrid, although he's not one to venture forward too readily, his best work coming when aiding the likes of Jeremy Jacquet alongside him.

Regardless of whether he shifts back into the centre of defence or not later down the line, as it stands there is still a need to strengthen at right-back for the long-term, with a fanciful return for Trent having been mooted. Araujo's Barca teammate Jules Kounde is one more realistic target on the agenda, too.

As per TEAMtalk, intermediaries have spoken to Liverpool regarding the potential availability of the Frenchman, with a January exit even being floated as things stand.

Kounde is said to have been 'courted' by the Reds previously, although rivals Chelsea are also in the mix, the 27-year-old said to be keen on linking up with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.

Like Araujo, he's somewhat fallen out of favour under Flick, starting just one LaLiga game so far, hence why there is talk of a move being on the cards in the New Year.

Of course, Liverpool have already snapped up Araujo on loan, but even amid his current woes, Kounde still feels like a step above, hailed as "one of the best defenders in the world" by former boss, Xavi Hernandez.

Like his Barca colleague, Kounde is a centre-back trade, but he's enjoyed a far longer stretch at right-back, having primarily been deployed in that role since signing from Sevilla back in 2022.

​​In LaLiga last season, for instance, he scored and assisted four goals, while creating six 'big chances', doing so while boasting a stellar 92% pass accuracy rate from his 30 appearances.

For comparison, Araujo scored three goals, yet assisted none, and while he did also boast a 92% pass accuracy rate from his 24 outings, he created just a solitary 'big chance'.

Kounde also has the benefit of being a regular fixture at right-back for his country too, having started seven games for France at the World Cup this summer.

As per Transfermarkt, in his club career so far, he's made 155 appearances in that role, scoring nine and assisting 18 in all competitions.

Again, for comparison, Araujo has made only 32 appearances from right-back, scoring three and assisting just one.

Perhaps the latter man will grow into a leading figure in this relatively new role under Iraola's watch, but if Liverpool really want a leading right-sided full-back, then Kounde may well be that class above.