Divock Origi — A Liverpool Legend
Divock Okoth Origi. What a servant he’s been. Eight years on Merseyside, and and a contribution to the Reds’ recent successes that’ll be remembered for years to come.
As the Premier League campaign drew to a conclusion at Anfield on Sunday, it was only right that Jurgen Klopp’s men were saluted by the Liverpool faithful for their efforts and achievements. Not only this year. But ever since the German took to the throne.
Memories have accumulated thanks to this group of relentless players. But Divock Origi has been centre stage for many of these. Despite not featuring as often as he’d have liked, the Belgian was always turned towards to produce moments of magic. And boy did he produce.
Whether he was setting Anfield alight or making the travelling Klopp erupt up and down the country, and in Europe too.
The Belgian received a Legend’s fairwell as he was welcomed onto the Anfield turf for one last time to a guard of honour by his teammates. He wasn’t named in the squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers but that didn’t stop his name being bellowed by the Kop.
Liverpool found themselves Kings of Europe for a sixth time in 2019. The Reds had returned to the pinnacle of European Football once again. And yes that’s right, Origi certainly played his part. Particularly, and most memorably, in the later stages of the competition.
Liverpool looked down and out as they welcomed Lionel Messi and Barcelona to Anfield following a 3–0 demolition in the Camp Nou a week before. Two thirds of Liverpool’s fantastic front three were sidelined. No Mohammed Salah. No Roberto Firmino. Barcelona looked a cert to book their place in Madrid. Origi had other ideas.
It only took seven minutes for the striker to net his first past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as Liverpool completed a heroic comeback. A comeback in which he started and completed.
A brace from Georginio Wijnaldum to claw the aggregate level, was topped with a moment of genius from Origi and his counterpart Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Corner taken quickly… Origi!”
They caught the Spaniards sleeping as a Alexander-Arnold picked out Origi who expertedly diverted past Ter Stegen. Greatness. Liverpool complete yet another comeback.
The moment that probably stands above all of the others in Origi’s stay, as he made Liverpool fans believe Ol’ Big Ears is coming back to Anfield.
But you knew he would have to have a say in Madrid. Overall, an uneventful final against Tottenham Hotspur but who cares? Leading by one for the majority, Spurs looked threatening, we needed someone to put this tie to bed. That’s right Jurgen, you know who to call.
Origi proved why he’s been remarked as Liverpool’s best finisher, as he fired one home in the closing stages, infront of a sea of red to make it number six.
He loved a goal against Everton too. Liverpool’s local rivals from across Stanley Park. And for that itself, he’s loved by each and every Liverpool fan. He’s tied with Robbie Fowler for the most goals in this fixture.
The most memorable came in the 18/19 season. A chilly December night, under the lights at Anfield. Neck and neck with Manchester City for the Premier League title, neither side could afford to drop points.
A goalless affair looked like it was coming to a close. A last chance for Liverpool looked like it came to nothing as Van Dijk seemed to slice his effort off target.
But a fortunate bounce off the crossbar fell to none other than Origi who headed home in the 96th minute to give the Reds the bragging rights.
A player who is highly regarded amongst the Liverpool players, fans and his coach. Divock Origi has been a credit to the club. Famous moments. Domestic and European triumph. He’s done it all.
Another Champions League final awaits the Reds on Saturday against European Royalty in Carlo Ancelotti’s Real. One last trophy for Origi? One last moment from Origi? A certified Liverpool Legend.
