It may have taken time, but Liverpool striker Divock Origi is undoubtedly starting to find his feet at Anfield. Is Jurgen Klopp beginning to get the best out of the Belgium international, and how far can he progress?
Origi made the £10m switch from Ligue 1 side Lille in the summer of 2014, and was subsequently loaned back to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for the next season.
The 20-year-old, who has been widely tipped to be the next best thing to come out of Belgian football, made his competitive Liverpool debut in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in September.
Stamping his authority
That game at Old Trafford was the first and last time he appeared for the Reds in the league under the management of Brendan Rodgers. However, since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, Origi has featured eight times in the Premier League. In the last few months, the Belgium international has started to stamp his authority and make his mark on the Liverpool side.
Origi, who has been capped 16 times by his country, scored his first Liverpool goals in a stunning performance against Southampton in the Capital One Cup in December. Klopp’s side romped to a 6-1 win at St Mary’s, with Origi catching the eye with a superb hat-trick.
Since then, the youngster has scored against West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa in the Premier League, taking his tally to five for the season.
Origi undoubtedly has the raw talent to become a very good striker at Anfield. Of course, only time will tell how good he can become in Merseyside, though. He’s quick, strong and certainly has an eye for goal.
The forward proved during his days in France, where he netted 14 league goals as a teenager for Lille, that he has the potential to become a very special player as his career progresses.
Still developing
Still, at present, Divock Origi no doubt has a lot of developing to do. First off, he has to edge past the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings in the striker pecking order – players who cost the club a combined total of £73.5m.
That will no doubt take time, but the trust his manager has shown in him already this season, proves he’s willing to give him every chance.
Liverpool are still going strong in the Europa League and they have a Capital One Cup final with Manchester City on the horizon. The Reds boss will have to chop and change his squad ready to cope with the rigours of their demanding schedule.
Origi has featured in every competition for the Merseysiders this term, and he will no doubt play his part for the remainder of the season, too.
Positive signs
Like we said, Origi is still only 20, he has a lot of developing to do. However, the signs are there and he certainly has all the potential in the world.
It will be very interesting to see how the season eventually pans out for the Reds, Klopp and indeed Origi – and who knows just how big a Liverpool player he can become.
Written by Gareth Hinton
Follow Gareth on Twitter @Galccfc
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