Jurgen Klopp hailed Divock Origi as a ‘world-class striker’ after the forward came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Everton.
Origi’s introduction helped turn the game in Liverpool’s favour as Everton frustrated the hosts for much of the clash, with the Belgium international heading home the Reds’ second goal to extend his impressive Merseyside Derby record.
The 27-year-old has now scored seven goals in 13 career appearances against Everton and Klopp hailed the talent of a forward who is expected to leave Liverpool this summer.
Origi has failed to start a Premier League fixture this season and is out of contract at the end of the campaign, though Klopp insists the forward will be remembered as a ‘legend’ at Liverpool for his contributions in recent seasons.
“We will never miss a player like him because if he leaves, he will explode wherever he goes. He is a world-class striker, he is a legend and will stay a legend forever,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“He doesn’t always make the squad which is ridiculous, but he is there when we need him every time. He was involved in both games; everything that we did in the second half, without Divock, wouldn’t have happened.
“The group lives because of the boys that don’t always play, they are the strongest players ever; [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, [Harvey] Elliot, [Takumi] Minamino, even Rhys Williams. They are in great shape, but the way they behave is why we do these kind of things.”
Liverpool’s win moved the Reds back within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester City and Klopp insisted it is crucial his side continue to win games when not at their best.
“There are not a lot of points we can drop, the next one is always waiting around the corner. That is the situation we are in. We have eight games to play, and if it goes well we can fit in a ninth, but you have to win games when you aren’t at our best.”
