Liverpool striker Divock Origi has said that it was ‘clear’ that he would be handed an opportunity against Everton after he climbed off the bench to extend his impressive record in the Merseyside derby.
The Belgian was introduced as a second-half substitute at Anfield and played a part in both goals as the Reds sealed a 2-0 victory. He played a crucial role in Liverpool ’s opener - Andrew Robertson netting his second goal of the season.
Origi was then on hand to score himself as he nodded home the sixth goal of his career against the Toffees - a stunning record considering the bit-part role that the striker has played at Anfield throughout his career. Speaking after full-time, Origi suggested he knew that he was going to play an important role in what ended up being a cagey affair on Merseyside.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, the forward said: “I think it was clear. For us, we worked hard in training so I knew I was going to have to come on and help the team as much as possible.
“It was a close game so we needed that first goal to get the momentum going and once we got that then it was about being able to control the game as much as possible. We played against a team that played with a big heart, they wanted to come here and take the three points, so for us it feels like a job well done and we’re looking forward to the next games.
“For me as a player, it’s [about] staying ready; try to do extra work to level up what you maybe missed in game time and then coming in and making plays.
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“You cannot know what happens before the game, you can just get as well prepared as possible and once you know that you are well prepared you can come in and enjoy the game. That’s what happened today and obviously the goals help the team, that is the most important thing.”
Despite his heroics, it appears that Origi’s future lies away from Anfield. The 27-year-old sees his Liverpool contract expire in the summer and it has been suggested that Italian giants AC Milan are in the running for his services.
One man who will always remain a fan of the Belgian is current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. The German has predicted Origi to be a huge success at whichever club is in his future.
"We will never miss a player more like him because if he leaves, he will explode wherever he goes," Klopp said after the match. "He is a world-class striker, he is a legend and will stay a legend forever.
"He doesn't always make the squad which is ridiculous, but he is there when we need him every time. He was involved in both goals; everything that we did in the second half, without Divock, wouldn't have happened."
