Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has highlighted Ronald Araujo’s strong start since joining on loan from Barcelona, Alexander Isak’s steady improvement, and Alexis Mac Allister’s leadership value ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Iraola focused first on the Uruguay international centre-back:
“Ronald is used to playing big games, playing in the Champions League, fighting for titles and playing for a big club. For him the bigger challenge is the language — he doesn’t speak English. But he has good help inside the changing room. This change mentally has helped him a lot. He had a lot of years at Barça and needed this kind of change. It helps that, performance-wise, he has been playing very well.”
Araujo has already shown versatility, including impactful cameos from the bench against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
On Isak, who is building fitness and form after an injury-disrupted previous season, Iraola said:
“He is going well. I am happy with the improvements he is doing game to game. With the physical side he is in a very good place. Technically we know he’s very good; he’s understanding better what we need from a number nine. He has to help us not just in the goals but in a lot of things.”
The manager also underlined Mac Allister’s importance to a relatively young squad:
“I said before the game on Wednesday he is a great player, understands the game and has experience which is very good for quite a young team we have right now. I hope we can keep this level of performance and improve it.”
Iraola: Barcola only suffered cramps; Gakpo assessment ongoing; Ekitike still some way off
11 September 2026
Andoni Iraola has eased concerns over Bradley Barcola, confirming the French forward only suffered cramps during the midweek Champions League win over Atlético Madrid and should be available for Fulham if his recovery continues as planned.
“We still need to train this afternoon but Barcola was just cramps. We have to evaluate but there’s no injury — he should be available if everything goes normal.”
Cody Gakpo, who sat out the Atlético match with adductor issues, remains a question mark:
“Cody we will see. Today we will try with him and let’s see if he’s ready for tomorrow or we have to wait until the next one.”
Long-term absentee Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) is progressing but still some distance from a return. Iraola noted the medical staff have mapped European fixtures and see a realistic chance he could feature in the final two games of the opening Champions League phase, though he stressed it remains early to be definitive.
Barcola made his first start in the 2-1 victory over Atlético before being substituted around the hour mark. Gakpo has been a regular attacking option this season.
