Emre Can and Divock Origi are struggling to get playing minutes for Liverpool this season.
The impressive start to the new season by Liverpool has seen Reds manager Jurgen Klopp reluctant to change his midfield and forwards too often.
There is never a good time to pick up a injury and for Emre Can an ankle injury coincided with the good performances of the team, and has meant he has had to bide his time on the bench since his return to full fitness.
The 22 year-old German international is yet to make the starting line-up in the league this season, only making three substitute appearances with his only start for the club coming in the second round EFL Cup clash against Burton Albion.
Can thrived under the tutelage of Klopp last season after the German moved him into his preferred midfield role following a season spent in the defence under Brendan Rodgers.
His primary role of defensive midfielder is currently being filled by Jordan Henderson, who is doing a admirable role despite it not being his favoured position.
Can has the size and technique to be one of the leading shielders of the back four in the Premier League. There has been some questions over the form of Georginio Wijnaldum in the last couple of games, and if Klopp did see fit to drop the Dutchman, it would see a midfield reshuffle that would see Can return to the starting XI.
If that doesn’t occur, Can will have to stay patient for the time being.
The same level of patience is required for striker Divock Origi. Like Can, the 21 year-old has yet to make the starting line-up this season, but has taken his chance to perform well in the EFL Cup, scoring against Burton Albion and Derby County.
The Belgian international was another player who showed his promise under Klopp last season, scoring all of his 10 goals after the arrival of the German manager at Liverpool.
Origi’s impact in the Europa League was so profound that he was Klopp’s preferred striking option ahead of Daniel Sturridge for a number of big games on their run to the final. With the way the manager has set up the team this season, it appears that he is in another battle with Sturridge, this time to be the first-choice reserve striker.
Another unfortunate fact for the duo is that they do not have the platform of European football to push their cases for a regular first-team berth this season. However, they will both know that opportunities can arise at any moment and they have to be mentally and physically ready to take that chance with both hands.
When you take into account the talent both players have, you have a feeling they would be up to the challenge.
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