Liverpool striker Divock Origi is making a late push to remain in Jürgen Klopp’s squad for the future. After scoring in his last start against Watford, the Belgian showcased a solid performance against a tough Premier League opponent. With the quality of Liverpool’s attack rumoured to be improved this summer, Origi must take every opportunity to prove he belongs amongst some of the best in the world.
Divock Origi’s Future at Liverpool
Fighting for His Spot
Divock Origi cost Liverpool FC £10 million from Lille in July of 2014. He was loaned back to the French club for the next season and loaned out to VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, making this season his third truly playing for the Reds. He has scored 14 goals and recorded five assists in 58 Premier League appearances for Liverpool; a record not quite convincing for Jurgen Klopp to keep him in the squad next year.
Klopp was forced to change his lineup midweek against Watford as his pivotal striker Roberto Firmino picked up an injury against Manchester United. He opted for Origi to start over the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana. The Reds’ boss recently praised his attitude and claimed DOrigi deserved to start against Watford for the injured Brazilian.
He answered his boss’ call with a solid performance, capped off with a wonderful goal in the second half. After making a series of quick moves to cut inside his defenders, Origi made enough space to hit a well driven shot past Ben Foster’s near post. However, his performance wasn’t only credited for his goal. Origi’s defensive work throughout his time on the field was noted and appreciated by the Anfield faithful.
At times, he showed that he wasn’t the best of defenders, however, his work ethic and determination helped Liverpool in maintaining their defensive shape. Playing on the wing, he showed his manager his versatility to play anywhere in the front three. Although it was just one performance, if Origi can consistently play at this level, Klopp may not be able to move on from the Belgian forward.
Potential Replacements
There have been rumours of Timo Werner catching the eye of Klopp, as well as many other managers around the world. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are two other footballing giants rumoured to be interested in the German striker. SportsBild reports that Bayern have agreed on terms with the forward, however, they have not been confirmed.
The pacey 22-year-old has scored 55 goals and recorded 20 assists in 102 appearances for RB Leipzig. With Origi and Sturridge on the Liverpool bench, it will be interesting if Klopp makes space for the prolific Werner.
Another pacey attacker Liverpool are linked with is 22-year-old Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen. Like Werner, Brandt made the 23-man list for Germany’s 2018 World Cup squad. The German international has shown his deadly pace and is another player Jürgen Klopp could use to rotate around his attack. Brandt has shown he can play on either wing as well as in an attacking midfield position.
After signing Shaqiri, Klopp has seen the importance of a versatile attacker who can change the game at any time. Once again, in order to make space for a new winger, Klopp must choose to drop some attackers on his bench. As Shaqiri recently signed, sensibly Origi or Sturridge, even both, would be dropped for new attacking signings.
A Decision Needs to be Made
If Klopp chooses to further bolster his attacking options next year, he will need to offload some bench players. As Sturridge is moving towards the back-end of his career, it would seem fitting that he moves to a club where he can still get games. The same applies to 30-year-old Adam Lallana. He was a great part of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool squad but unfortunately has not had the same effect with Klopp’s Reds.
For Origi, the Belgian is beginning to hit the prime of his career as he turns 24 this April. He has shown flashes of quality for Belgium in the World Cup as well as during his time for Liverpool. This season, he had a dramatic 96th-minute winner in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. It was a bizarre goal that supporters from both sides will remember for a very long time. However, Origi has yet to show consistency throughout a full season, leaving Liverpool fans wondering if he should be replaced. The option he provides off the bench, as well as a replacement for less-difficult games, is evident.
Should Liverpool try to keep the Belgian as a bench player at least for another season, he would need to fulfil his potential to stay any longer. He is willing to fight for his spot and maintains a positive attitude. Not to mention, he does have the quality to take minutes from Liverpool’s current front three. Klopp can use a player of his ability, work ethic and attitude to maintain a high level of competition in training.
A Tough Call
Klopp must make a tough decision. He can either to keep the striker and play him as a backup to one of the front three. Or, sell Origi now while his value is beginning to hit its peak. It is a tough decision as on paper the Belgian is 6’1 weighing at 165lbs with a solid amount of speed. The striker still has much to prove as his undeniable potential is beginning to come to its most important test. If he fails to perform at a high level this season, should Klopp hand him the axe and find a replacement? Or does his potential keep him in the squad for another year?
Despite his quality, Origi should be sold in the near future. His value will only begin to decline and he will eventually be upset with the lack of opportunities. Liverpool can try to hold him as a role player for a few years but should take advantage of his value soon.
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