Jurgen Klopp insists Divock Origi deserves his opportunity against Watford after impressing behind-the-scenes at Melwood.
The Belgian has been named in Liverpool’s starting lineup in place of Roberto Firmino, who hobbled off with an ankle injury in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
He features between Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah as the Reds look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
It marks a huge show of faith from Klopp as he gives the nod to Origi over the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge.
Explaining the decision, the German told Liverpoolfc.com: “Div deserves it, like all the others we could have chosen would have deserved it because the training attitude is brilliant.”
“It’s not good, of course, that Bobby isn’t available, but it’s always nice to give somebody else the next chance. That’s Div now; he has trained really well.”
“That’s good for us, a good option for us. It changes a little bit the game, because Bobby is a very decisive and demanding player for us. We will see how that works out.”
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Origi last started in the league for Liverpool in December when he was rewarded for his 96th minute winner against Everton with 66 minutes in the 3-1 win over Burnley.
He has since made just five cameo appearances across all competitions, including 14 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and just over 10 minutes at Old Trafford at the weekend.