Henry explains how Origi is close to becoming a serious Liverpool weapon

Thierry Henry has said that Divock Orgi can be a “weapon” for Liverpool up front if he becomes comfortable playing through the middle of the front three.

Origi was in fine form as the Reds won 5-2 against Everton on Wednesday, scoring twice in a blistering first-half performance having been brought in to replace Roberto Firmino.

Belgian international Origi has had a habit of delivering in big games having scored in the Champions League semi-finals and final last season, as well as winning the Merseyside Derby for Liverpool.

Most of his good work has come from the wing, however, and speaking on Amazon Prime‘s coverage of Wednesday’s clash, Henry explained how Origi could be a serious asset to Jurgen Klopp through the middle.

“What is important for Divock Origi now is that he played in the middle and that is a great sign of respect from Jurgen Klopp because before he was playing him on the right, on the left,” the pundit said.

“He wasn’t sure if he could play on the line or hold the ball up to bring people in but what you saw tonight is him making those runs from the middle to the right because he is comfortable on the wing.

“And when he masters being in the middle, bringing the centre-back on the right, and he can dribble, they’re going to have another weapon playing in the middle other than Roberto Firmino.

“I don’t like the word sub, I don’t like rotation. You’re a squad and some will be called upon more than others because you need those players on the field but I call those guys game-changers. You need to step in and change the game.”

Impressive performances from Origi – considered back-up to Liverpool’s deadly front three – and Xherdan Shaqiri were highlighted by Klopp after the match, the German praising his strength in depth.

 

 

Shaqiri, in fact, was making his first appearance this season following injury problems and his first Premier League start since January.

Klopp said: “As a manager you hope for it and then the boys deliver and it is the best feeling you can get as a manager.

“It didn’t surprise me but I didn’t expect it in that manner. It was really good. It helped us. The boys know now it is easy for me to tell them how good they are.

“When they play and deliver like they did it is very good for the whole squad.”

Liverpool return to action on Saturday when they travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth.