It was the summer following Luis Suaréz’s departure, and fans were hoping for some like-for-like replacement. Of course, Rodgers attempted to implement such a replacement for the Uruguayan, aggressively pursuing the services of Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez; he even went as far as to get Steven Gerrard to send the Chilean text messages of encouragement (he got our captain to do the same with Toni Kroos – I liked the ambition!).
With the signing of Sanchez seemingly failing to materialise, Rodgers (and/or the Transfer Committee) decided they would attempt to sign a group of players who – collectively, rather than individually – would fill the gaping void left by Suaréz’s move. This approach proved to have mixed effects: Lallana and Can for example, after slow starts, began to contribute, and are still contributing, well to the team; for other signings, the transition to Anfield was not so smooth. But there was one new signing the fans had yet to see or judge for themselves: Divock Origi; the player we hadn’t heard of when the initial interest precipitated.
The enigmatic nature of this young, Belgian striker began to dissipate, and his identity was being cast in the minds of Reds everywhere due to his appearance (and success) at the summer’s World Cup. Origi scored the winning goal in Belgium’s Group-Stage match against Russia – propelling his country into the knock-out rounds, and, in doing so, he became the youngest Belgian player to score in a World Cup and the first player, ever, of Kenyan origin to do so.
Following on from his international displays, Liverpool fans were generally pleased with the recruitment of his services. There was, however, one difference with the signing of Origi, compared to the other additions made to the squad that summer: he was remaining at Lille for another season before switching to Merseyside. To begin with, this seemed to make sense, with Mario Balotelli and Ricky Lambert joining the squad, and with Sturridge and co. already present. Perhaps it was best for his development to continue playing first-team football in a competitive league. As the season progressed, however, it proved frustrating that he was not able to bolster a weakened, and at times, deflated team. Balotelli was falling out of favour, Sturridge was injured for the majority of the season and Liverpool found themselves deploying Raheem Sterling as the locus of the strike-force. Perhaps Origi’s services would have been better in the Northern England than in Northern France after-all.
It wasn’t just Liverpool’s season that was looking lack-lasture however, as Origi was not enjoying the success he had previously in the French League. The striker was having a difficult season, mimicking the fortunes of his parent club. At one point, he was even named in the ‘flop team of the year’. This seemed surprising given his exploits at the World Cup, perhaps his mind was elsewhere…
Fast-forward to almost a year on, and Origi’s story has taken another twist. He now appears to be replicating his international form for Liverpool, and he is increasingly cementing his position as a first-team regular. Important goals against Borussia Dortmund (in both legs), a brace against Stoke, and, most recently, a first derby goal on his maiden experience of an all-Merseyside clash, are endearing Kopites to the Belgian. “Divock Origi” is beginning to echo around our famous old ground at every game played, and the fans’ warmth towards him appears to be energising and heating up his form even further.
Just as his dip in form at Lille last term mirrored our difficulties, his recent displays have been symbolic of our development under Jürgen Klopp; Origi is a microcosm for our improvements. The hope now is that Origi and Sturridge can coalesce and find that resonance that has underpinned so many of our best duos: Keegan & Toshack, Dalglish & Rush, Torres & Gerrard, Suarez & Sturridge… If Sturridge & Origi can complement one another, Liverpool will experience a synergistic effect which will result in one thing: goals, goals, goals.
Lets all hope Origi gets back to fitness soon and can pick up from where he left off. If he continues on his current trajectory, the future is bright – for himself, and for Liverpool.
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