In a recent interview with the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shared his thoughts on Divock Origi’s recent emergence and said,
“Divock made the decisive step in the last couple of weeks of last season, and he deserved it.
“Not only because he trained, it’s like (the problems he had) fell off him.
“Since he got that injury (against Everton in April 2016), it was just glimpses here and there. But then we were training and you saw it – Divock’s back. It is the Divock Origi the whole world wanted.”
The Recent Emergence Of Divock Origi In The English Top-Flight
Klopp’s encouraging words will be like music to Origi’s ears as he tries to establish himself as a regular first-team starter at Anfield next season. The Belgian international was sporadically used by the Reds last season, but he still managed to be prolific in front of goal for the Merseyside outfit. The ex-Bundesliga centre-forward enjoyed a remarkable season with the Reds when he put in a few match-winning displays off the bench in the previous term.
The 24-year-old scored some memorable goals in front of the club’s most passionate supporters including his last-gasp game-winner against Everton at Anfield. His incredible finish in the UEFA Champions League final versus Tottenham Hotspur will also stand the test of time as it had ensured Liverpool’s sixth European Cup in history.
Origi scored eight goals and provided two assists in 22 appearances for Klopp’s side last season across all competitions. The former VfL Wolfsburg frontman has also appeared in 26 international matches for Belgium while registering three goals for his nation so far. Origi is currently playing at his peak, so Klopp has made the right call by extending his contract at Anfield earlier this summer.
Origi has earned Klopp’s confidence through his outstanding performances from the last campaign. However, there are still some question marks over whether the Belgian centre-forward has what it takes to be a regular goal-scorer at the highest level. With more game time comes greater responsibility. That means a lot will be expected of Origi now that he has committed his long-term future to the club.
What Are The Belgian International’s Strengths?
The Liverpool striker boasts blistering pace which enables him to make some clever runs behind the opposition defence. He is a penetrative dribbler with the ball in the opposition half and can run the channels to open up spaces for his teammates in the final third. The Belgian had also scored quite a few essential goals when the stakes had been high for Liverpool in the Premier League title run-in last season. Origi has proved that he has matured as a striker and knows what it takes to handle expectations at the top tier of England.
Final Verdict
All signs point toward Origi having another successful season at Anfield next term. However, only time will tell whether he can show enough quality to replace Roberto Firmino in Klopp’s starting XI.
