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Divock Origi has had something of an uneven season for Lille, but the 20-year-old’s promise remains clear, and the young, versatile forward continues to impress with Belgium. Now, with the Ligue 1 season winding down, he’s looking forward to completing his move to Liverpool a year after the Premier League side signed him. And he’s been talking to Simon Mignolet about what to expect.
"Just some typical questions about the club, the atmosphere, and about life in Liverpool because it’s a big change for me," said Origi this week when queried on what he’s been asking Liverpool’s Belgian ‘keeper about in recent weeks as he prepares to make the summer switch to Merseyside. "Simon has helped me a lot and given me a lot of information on the city. He told me he really likes it and feels at home there."
It’s not clear where Liverpool see Origi fitting in, though his positional flexibility will likely have been key in the decision to recruit him. Often played as a wide attacker who cuts in to support a central striker, he has also shown an ability to take on the role of lone striker himself, particularly when playing for Belgium. It’s the kind of versatility Brendan Rodgers values, and it should help to get him minutes straight away.
The biggest concern might actually be too many minutes and too much pressure being placed on Origi to deliver straight away, especially if the club fail to sign a more experienced striker and Daniel Sturridge’s injury struggles continue. Certainly, though, the opportunity appears likely to be there for Origi to seize a role somewhere in Liverpool’s attacking rotation, and even the club bringing in another striker isn’t likely to change that.
"He told me before every game there is a fantastic atmosphere from the supporters and everybody at the club, which helps you to play even better," added Origi. "It makes me excited because it’s something I want to experience. Some people from the management have also sent me messages and let me know they’re watching all the games, [and] it’s nice to have the team supporting me and watching often."
