Liverpool Transfers: Who Is This £10m Strike Sensation They Have Signed?

Belgium flattered to deceive in the World Cup, but one player who did his credentials no harm at all was 19-year-old striker Divock Origi. A surprise inclusion into the Belgian squad, the striker became the country’s youngest goal scorer, when he scored the winner against Russia. His World Cup exploits coupled with his form in Ligue 1 was enough for Liverpool to splash £10m on the 19-year-old Belgian and snap him up on a five-year-contract. Although he will remain on loan at Lille for the upcoming season, it remains to be seen whether he is a right fit for Liverpool? So who is Divock Origi? What does he bring to Liverpool? Is he worth all the hype? Let’s take a look.

Career history

Divock Origi was born in 1995 to former professional footballer Mike Origi in Ostend, Belgium. His footballing roots didn’t stop with his father, as Origi also had a cousin Arnold Origi, who had represented Kenya. So it was no surprise to see him begin his career as a footballer by joining Belgian club Genk’s youth academy. In 2010, he moved to Lille and started out in their reserve team. In 2013, he scored on his competitive debut for Lille, a couple of months before his 18^th birthday.

From then onwards, Origi has only gone onwards and upwards. Although he could’ve played for Kenya, Origi chose Belgium and has appeared for Belgium in their U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior teams. Although he didn’t get off the greatest of starts, it was in the U-19 side that he showed his goal scoring prowess which earned him a place on the trip to Brazil, where he scored his first senior goal against Russia.

Style of Play

Divock Origi primarily plays as a central striker for both Lille and the national side. His pace and ability to finish means that he has all the making of a world class Number 9. He has played as the lone front-man for the national side, but for Lille, it has been with another striker. His blistering pace has also led him to play on the left flank, but it is as a centre forward that Origi thrives. Whether it is making clever darting runs beyond the defence or holding the ball up and brining his team-mates into play, Origi is quickly developing into a striker of considerable promise. Although he is still young, his ability to drop deep and pick out team-mates is something to keep note of. Another aspect of his game that is noteworthy is his finishing. Whether it is from inside or outside the box, Origi has a right foot that is deadly accurate.

Strengths

One of Origi’s biggest strengths is his pace and physique. Not only does have very good acceleration, the 19-year-old has shown that he can be fast over longer distances as well. His pace coupled with his physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders and one of the few strikers, who can, not only out-run defenders but also out-muscle them with consummate ease.

While pace and power alone is unlikely to get him too far, his ability to finish and calmness in front of goal, makes him a prized asset for the future. Last season, Origi hit the target with 72% of his shots and scored with 27.8% of his attempts. His accuracy in front of goal coupled with his athletic, explosive nature make him a force to be reckoned with. Another of his strengths is his aerial ability. Not only is he good on the ground, but he is more-than handy in the air.

Weaknesses

Origi’s biggest weakness is his consistency. While he is built like an ox and can finish expertly, the 19-year-old doesn’t always do justice to his ability. Last season, he went through a spell when he didn’t score for 15 games. For a player with his ability, that is simply unpardonable and his consistency is certainly something he needs to work before he comes to Liverpool in 2015. Another aspect of his play, which isn’t good news for Liverpool fans is his off-the-ball game. For a side that relies so much on pressing as the Reds do, Origi is far too passive without the ball and that is something he must work on if he is to succeed at Liverpool.

Possible destinations

Even before his exploits in the World Cup, there were more than a few clubs looking at Origi and after Brazil that number has only gotten bigger. Tottenham Hotspur were one of the early clubs to be interested but the fact that Liverpool have managed to beat them and a whole host of clubs is a testament to their ability to snap up talents at a very young age. His upcoming season with Lille is likely to be his biggest as he looks to iron out the flaws and make it into the Liverpool first-team right from the outset.

Verdict

Quick, strong and possessing a cool head in the box, Liverpool have certainly snapped up a future superstar in Divock Origi. While it is true that the Belgian has some major flaws to iron out, the pro’s far outweigh he cons and his loan-spell at Lille will only make him a better player before he finally moves to England. Purely based on potential, there is a lot to expect from Origi and the early signs are that he will fulfil his potential. Still only 19, Origi has the world ahead of him and if he continues in his current upwards trajectory, he will be in the limelight before too long.