Origi became an integral part of the side towards the end of last season, but with the Reds performing so well in the final third, it could be hard for him to nail down a place.
Divock Origi enjoyed a remarkable transformation under Jurgen Klopp last season. After arriving from Lille and expected to play behind Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings last season, the young Belgian progressed markedly.
He started the first few games of the Klopp era, and following that he looked as if it would be a struggle for him on Merseyside. A spell out of the side which saw him bulk up and keep things a little more simple on the field saw him score 10 goals for the Reds and lead the line in some of the biggest games of the season, notably both legs of the Europa League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund and the Merseyside derby.
Things have changed at the Reds, and it looks as though the 21-year-old is struggling to get his chance to nail down a place. Largely, it is a good thing for the club because of the amount of options that is available to Klopp this season.
Origi has so far started twice – both in League Cup games – and has managed to find the net on both occasions. Largely, you cannot ask for much more.
There have been other cameo displays, but it seems that with Daniel Sturridge fit, for big Premier League games when everyone is fit there is a front line which will have three of Sturridge, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho lining up.
As a result, the chances Origi will get be fewer therefore the need to impress is greater. But one thing works in his favour is that he can be used as a different option while possessing some of the qualities of those ahead of him in the pecking order.
He knows how to finish and has pace and can stretch and break down defences. The thing that makes him stand out is his stature, and means he is probably a bit more of a handful physically for anyone he comes up against.
From the bench he is probably shown more of that rather than trying to stretch a back line. It’s probably why in the eyes of some hasn’t quite hit the heights he showed in the second half of last season.
Competition is fierce for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s side. One only needs to look at their bench for most games this season and the chances are they would do very well in a seven-a-side tournament.
Origi seems determined to kick on, and needs to develop that kind of rhythm that saw him frighten defences prior to the injury sustained by a Ramiro Funes Mori challenge in last season’s derby match in April. He might have to be very patient before he can try and nail down a first team place. Liverpool’s movement and fluidity on the field seems to the thing holding him back at the moment. He could, however, be that other option that could prove crucial in games as the season progresses.
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