Liverpool managed to get three points against their fierce neighbours Everton on Sunday thanks to a goal from an unlikely hero Divock Origi.
The Belgian was named in Liverpool’s matchday list by Klopp for the third time this season but didn’t feature in any of the 13 matches that were played before Sunday’s game.
After tweaking his tactics by bringing in two substitutes, Jurgen Klopp realized there was a player he could turn to for a much-needed goal, hence, he did the unexpected by bringing the Belgian into the clash in the 84th minute.
With just a minute left to play, Origi scored his first goal of the season after Jordan Pickford’s uncharacteristic error. The England’s netminder failed to perfectly clear Van Dijk’s header as he punched the ball at Origi’s feet who easily hit the target from close range.
The goal immediately reminded every Liverpool fans the joy they derived from watching the player in his first season at Anfield. They fell in love with him once again but it is left to be seen if that love is temporal affectionate or one that will last long.
Is his last-gasp goal enough to save his Liverpool career?
After spending a very unproductive spell at Anfield two in the 2016-17 season, Jurgen Klopp didn’t think twice before sending him out on loan to Wolfsburg prior to the 2017-18 campaign.
His loan spell with the Bundesliga side was a total failure as he couldn’t reach his full potentials. Injury also played a role in his unimpressive performances throughout the previous campaign.
After his toothless performance in the 2017-18 season, Origi didn’t see any suitor for his signature during the summer transfer market and that made him remain at Anfield for the season.
With the number and form of strikers under Klopp’s watch, it’s no surprise Origi isn’t getting regular time at all.
His goal against Everton would surely influence Klopp’s decision about the player’s game time but that isn’t enough to make him move up in the strikers pecking order.
He must follow up the goal with another eye-catching display against Burnley on Wednesday.
Even if he didn’t score a goal in the midweek fixture, he must ensure he troubles the goalie as much as he can as that will go a long way to convince Klopp of his abilities.
This is the best time for Origi to lay claim for a place in the team — Sadio Mane, Firmino and Mohammed Salah are far from impressive.
The three strikers fire blank at Goodison Park and they didn’t show any sign of scoring anytime soon, hence, Origi must score at least three consecutive goals to win Klopp’s trust once again.
