‘He’s not developed’: Former coach says 26-year-old must leave Liverpool

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Divock Origi should leave Premier League giants Liverpool to fulfil his potential, former Belgium coach Gert Verheyen has told Het Nieuwsblad.

It has been almost a decade since Origi was playing under Verheyen for Belgium U19s. 

But, despite boasting a CV that includes a Premier League winner’s medal, a Champions League triumph and one of the most famous goals in Liverpool’s history (thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick thinking), just how good is Divock Origi? 

Well, no-one really knows. 

Origi has started just 11 Premier League games in Liverpool colours since the start of 2017/18, turning down a regular starting berth at the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers in favour of the odd cup cameo at Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds. 

Does Divock Origi need to leave Liverpool and the Premier League to save his career?

“We just don’t know how good he is today. In his youth, Divock was a class act. But by staying with Liverpool and playing little, he hasn’t developed further,” says Verheyen, questioning the 26-year-old’s hunger and desire. 

“Can you blame him (for staying at Anfield)? That’s his choice. Liverpool must be a fantastic club to play for. But at some point you want to play, don’t you?

“I think it would be a shame for Origi’s talent. The only thing I never felt about Divock was the urge – the urge to score, a striker who says ‘I scored two, now I want three.’  

“Not that he didn’t do his best. We played with the U19s in a dilapidated stadium in Serbia where you had to wash yourself in a tub of water, so to speak. Divock tried his best. But scoring more, wanting more? That he didn’t.  

“Can he extend that to his career choices?”

While opportunities have been few and far between for Origi under Jurgen Klopp – and that was always likely to be the case with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino ahead of him in the pecking order – the former Lille youngster has often made his mark when the chance has arrived. 

Origi has scored three goals and set up two more in seven games this season, leading the line impressively against AC Milan in the Champions League before netting a brilliant acrobatic goal against Preston in the EFL Cup.