Divock Origi made his first start of the season yesterday, playing in a front three reshuffled and reshaped for the absence of Philippe Coutinho. Origi will never be able to replicate the Brazilian’s magic feet, his clever interplay or his deadly sniper shots from range, but he showed that he’s got plenty of other tools to offer Jurgen Klopp.
The Belgian’s goal was gorgeously taken, the striker bursting past the goalkeeper on the edge of the box and hitting the ball into the side netting from a tight angle despite hitting it with the foot that bent the ball away from goal. It was a shot of real confidence, showing that the striker has matured since his early days at Anfield where he struggled to take much easier chances.
Coutinho’s return could be as far away as January, so Origi has plenty of time to establish himself in the team. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Coutinho have all had exceptional periods of form this season, but if Origi continues like this, Jurgen Klopp may find himself with some serious issues over who to leave out of his front three. Whatever he decides, we can be certain that the striker has guaranteed himself a lot more minutes than he was expecting to get just a few weeks ago.