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While the circumstances were less than ideal, Divock Origi’s substitution yesterday for an injured Philippe Coutinho proved to be a blessing in disguise. Liverpool were well on their way to another frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland when the Belgian struck in the 75th minute to give Liverpool the lead they needed. Origi spoke to David Lynch at the club website about being able to contribute and the patience he’s utilized to get to this point.
"When I came on, I just wanted to play my game and this is my game, when I come on the left hand side it's one of my strong points - one-on-one and shooting," Origi said. "Of course I was very happy when it went in and it helped the team a lot, so I'm so happy. You know that you have to create something and I think every player played his part. My part was to play on my qualities and I'm thankful that it went in and we won deservedly."
With Liverpool’s only other matches coming from EFL and FA cup ties, and for once a squad depth to choose from, Origi may not have gotten the regular chances to start in the league that he would like. It hasn’t stopped him from being ready for whenever he’ll be needed, either to start mid-week or come on unexpectedly.
"I think the message from the start of the season was to keep patient and whenever the team needed me I had to be ready,” he added. "I think it's not easy, especially as a young player - I was so hungry to play. I started this season with a lot of hunger and I just had to be patient.
"Sometimes it can happen that you don't play in the moment but I always believed in my qualities and so did the club, so did the supporters, so did the manager.
"I just used all this hunger to improve myself and stay ready for the moment you have to help the team.
"I'm so happy that I could help the team and I hope everything will go well this season."
As supporters and the club wait with bated breath for the extent of Coutinho’s injury, alongside Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino missing out on Tuesday, Origi will almost assuredly get the chance he’s been so hungry for.