On Merseyside it always seems to be a case of once a hero, always a hero.
In Liverpool the fans are terrifically passionate and those who grace the Anfield stands week after week know a good player when they see one. And as the season grows older and older, a young Belgian seems to be at the forefront of every Kopite’s mind.
Divock Origi had a pretty uninspiring start to his Liverpool career. He signed for the Reds in a £10m deal back in 2014, only to be immediately loaned back to Lille for the following season. Although the move was logical, it was frustrating for supporters at the time who wanted to see a glimpse of their new striker who had shone at the World Cup.
Yet back to France he went, and he scored nine goals in 44 games – by no means awe-inspiring, but a solid return. It’s important to remember he is still only 20 years old.
This Sunday Origi took a massive step towards writing himself into Liverpool folklore, scoring twice as Jurgen Klopp’s side eased to their biggest home win of the season by brushing aside Stoke City 4-1. The Potters have had an extremely solid season themselves and this result was not one to overlook.
The most impressive factor about Origi’s performance against the Potters was probably that he didn’t even start the game. He came on for fellow youngster Sheyi Ojo and looked irresistible playing alongside Daniel Sturridge. That’s one thing we haven’t yet seen enough of this season, an encouraging partnership between both Origi and Sturridge. Granted that’s because the Englishman has been injured for a large part of the campaign, but it was an extremely promising showing for both Liverpool and England fans.
As mentioned, Origi came on in the second half and took no time adding to his Liverpool tally, sweeping home two goals to take his tally to eight for the season – impressive considering he was struggling to even make the match day squad at the start of the season.
Considering Christian Benteke was supposed to be the man to lead the Liverpool revolution, the season has taken a most surprising twist with the Reds now relying on a the younger Belgian to get all the goals.
Origi is a man high on confidence who was quick to recognise the effect the Liverpool crowd had on his performance. “Playing for the Kop is wonderful”, he beamed after the game. These are promising words to hear for the Reds fans, who will no doubt keep singing Origi’s name if he keeps performing on the pitch.
There is little doubt that Jurgen Klopp is having a positive effect on Origi’s Liverpool career. The German is emotive, charismatic and full of praise for his players, everything that a young talent needs around him to develop.
He’s on the up and his form shows no sign of slowing down. Who’d have thought he’d be leading the Liverpool line at the start of the season?
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