Michael Owen claimed on BT Sport 2 (07/12, 22:09) after Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League that Divock Origi is a ‘level below’ Jurgen Klopp’s favoured front four.
Origi and Mohamed Salah found the back of the net to see the Reds come from behind to win at the San Siro on Tuesday night. Former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori had opened the scoring midway through the first-half after Alisson parried Junior Messias’ corner.
Salah pulled the Anfield natives level eight-minutes after with his 20th goal of the season in all competitions. Origi later hit his fifth of the term, on what was only his fourth start so far.
Klopp has kept the Belgian to a backup role once again after failing to sell him during the summer. Goal reported that the Reds felt no side had made suitable bids, despite interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.
Owen hails impact-man Origi after Liverpool goal
Liverpool were not against Origi staying put despite his £60k-a-week contract expiring next summer, excluding an option to extend. They will lose Salah and Sadio Mane in January for the Africa Cup of Nations, so will likely need Origi.
Owen expects Klopp to rely on the 31-cap forward next month, too, but is still unsure of his ability. Instead, the ex-Reds star sees Origi as Liverpool’s impact man, yet also a club icon.
“He’ll go down in [the] history of Liverpool, scoring so many important goals – even in the Premier League [title] run-in,” Owen said. “I remember him scoring away at Newcastle, at home to Everton in the last kick of the game. He’s scored some massive goals.
“And that’s not mentioning Champions League goals; Barcelona, of course, in the final, as well. For me, he’s not anywhere near the top four players that play – [Roberto] Firmino, [Diogo] Jota, Mane and Salah – he’s a level below, for me.
“But when you’re an impact player like he is, then it doesn’t necessarily matter. Now, he’s going to get a chance to start a few games in January when the Africa Cup of Nations start.
“Normally when he starts, I’m left wanting more, I always think he does better as an impact player. But the goals he scores, you can’t ignore him. He’ll go down in Liverpool folklore.”
Origi has shown impact man credentials once again this season
Origi has shown his impact man credentials once again this season with two goals from 38-minutes of Premier League action. He is yet to start a top-flight game after three outings.
Klopp brought Origi on in the 76th-minute against West Ham with Liverpool trailing 3-1. He would score in the 83rd, but could not prevent the Hammers from winning last month.
The Belgian saw that the Anfield natives took three-points at Wolves last Saturday, though. Klopp introduced Origi in the 68th-minute and he would strike the winning goal in the 94th.
Origi’s goal at AC Milan and two in two Carabao Cup ties shows he can score when starting for Liverpool. Klopp will hope he can maintain that record while Salah and Mane are away.
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