Whether it’s scoring goals in the Merseyside derby or tapping home corners taken quickly, Divock Origi has been Jurgen Klopp’s plan B for some time now. The Belgian, seemingly content with a place on the bench, has become the ultimate cult hero amongst Liverpool fans. It has even got to the point where he is almost immune from criticism despite his obvious flaws. Rhian Brewster may be the man to challenge those flaws next season.
In reality, however, Origi has proved to be more of a burden than a hero this season; his touch is often loose; link-up play, at times, non-existent and overall ability on the ball not good enough for a team of Liverpool’s calibre. He will forever be a hero, but with Rhian Brewster on his way back from Swansea City, Origi may have a battle on his hands when it comes to the role of back-up striker next season; a battle he may end up losing.
Can Rhian Brewster Take Divock Origi’s Place Next Season?
Swansea Form Can Propel Brewster into Liverpool Squad
Since swapping Liverpool for Swansea in a loan move, Rhian Brewster has been in incredible form. Everything the young Englishman touches turns to goals; goals that could take Swansea back to the Premier League.
In comparison to Divock Origi, Brewster looks both clinical and sharp. He links play well, he is capable of producing on the ball and, most crucially, he looks like the classic number nine Liverpool have been crying out for.
The young Englishman carries traits of an old fashioned number nine, poaching goals in the six-yard box with first-time finishes while also possessing the ability to score from long range. That is exactly what Jurgen Klopp needs. So often we see crosses from Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold flash across the six-yard box only to be met by an unchallenged defender.
Add Brewster to the mix, however, and the current Swansea man will be perfectly positioned to tap home. Roberto Firmino is a fantastic player, but not a number nine. Instead, the Brazillian is often the man supplying and linking up the play, doing the job asked of him. But, when Liverpool need a natural goalscorer to grab a winning goal, Brewster is the perfect candidate to step up from the bench.
Positioning the Problem for Origi
More often than not, Origi is being asked to play out of position and on the wing for Liverpool. The positioning exposes the Belgian’s weakness on the ball and passing ability for all to see. On a rare occasion, though, Jurgen Klopp has been left with no choice but to play Origi through the middle. The Belgian has been asked to play the role against the likes Everton and Barcelona over the last year, and it’s fair to say he delivered on those nights.
In both of those games, Origi came out with a brace to once again take his place in the hearts of Liverpool fans across the world, and give them a corner taken quickly to remember.
Jurgen Klopp will have plenty to think about ahead of next season with Origi struggling at times while Brewster flies high in the Championship with Swansea City.
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