Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Divock Origi after the Belgian helped Liverpool beat Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
“He is a legend on and off the pitch,” said Klopp of his no. 27 before making a remarkable statement on Origi’s quality. “He is a fantastic footballer, a world-class striker and is our best finisher, always was.”
Despite Klopp’s emotive words, this was just Origi’s 16th appearance of the season. But Klopp insists he is highly valued: “I have to make really hard decisions as the boys all want to contribute. Everybody loves Div and rightly so. He was again very decisive.”
Origi came on against Everton with the score deadlocked at 0-0 and Liverpool needing a win to keep pace with Manchester City atop the Premier League. With his first touches he controlled a Mohamed Salah pass and fed it back to the Egyptian, allowing him to create the opening goal for Andrew Robertson.
Then later in the game, it was Origi who rose highest to head home Liverpool’s second and seal victory for the Reds. Jamie Carragher said: “When you see him start, at times you can be pulling your hair out as a Liverpool supporter. But he seems to have a knack of performing better off the bench.”
This game-changing ability off the bench was not only evident today against Everton but earlier in the season when he came off the bench to score a 90th minute game-winner against Wolves.
However, Graeme Souness poured cold water on all the excitement, saying on punditry duty for Sky Sports: “He’s not a world-class player. [Klopp’s statement] was a bit of house-keeping to keep the squad happy. Origi is someone who will be allowed to leave the club because he’s not good enough, but today he was influential in winning the three points.”
Origi’s contract expires in the summer of 2022.