Bullish Origi promises to become ‘big player’ for Liverpool

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Divock Origi says his work on the training ground, the fans and the support of his team-mates helped him put in such an exceptional performance against Borussia Dortmund last night.

The 20-year-old was selected to lead the line ahead of Daniel Sturridge, scoring a goal and putting in a defining show which for many Reds – has boosted him to first-choice in the forward pecking order.

Despite his age, Origi knew when to hold up the ball and bring others into play and when to offer his pace and running down the channels.

“I could feel the support from the fans and it gave me a big boost,” Origi told the ECHO.

“It does make a difference to experience that. It was playing against a big team and as the striker I had a big responsibility.

“I felt the support of everybody from the coach to my team-mates and the fans. Everyone tried to help me as much as possible and it showed in my performance.”

According to our young attacker, he didn’t know he’d be starting until a few hours before the game.

“I only knew I was playing when I saw the team,” he continued.

“I was happy to play in such an important game, which is what you strive for as a footballer.

“We worked a lot tactically. The manager knows my qualities and told me just to use them.

“Everyone said I should play to my qualities, which is getting in behind the defenders and taking them on one-on-one and of course, importantly, scoring. I’ve very happy that I could do this.

“I’ve been in the gym and I do a lot of extra work…

“I learn from a lot of the players like Kolo Toure for example. I just try to pick up little things from everywhere.

“It also helps that we are really intensive in training and games, which makes me stronger.

“I have learned a lot, I’ve adapted a lot. I’m still young, only 20 and people sometimes forget that.

“I’m grateful to be at this big club, where people believe in me and everything is here for me to become a big player which is my aim.

“I’m happy that I’m making these steps and hopefully that continues.”

Now, Klopp has a difficult decision to make in the next few weeks regarding which striker he’ll select to start, or both.

If he plays both, then probably only one, maybe two, of our creative players; Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, can start…

It would make sense to give Sturridge a chance to prove himself at the weekend against Stoke, but there’s also the feeling that Origi is improving week on week and needs games to maximise his development. How can you drop him after his outing v Dortmund…?

Whatever Klopp decides, it’s a nice problem to have, bearing in mind Danny Ings will eventually return and also possesses characteristics which will naturally suit Klopp.

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