'Divock has taken the chance we are all working hard for'
The efforts behind the scenes of the players not always featuring regularly in the Liverpool team have been epitomised by Divock Origi during the past week.
Having been restricted to three starts in the EFL Cup before last Saturday, the Belgium international rose from the bench in the Premier League meeting with Sunderland and struck a crucial opener with a quarter of an hour to go.
His breakthrough was followed by a James Milner penalty to secure three more important points for the Reds and extend a run which has seen Jürgen Klopp’s side lose only once in 17 matches so far this season.
Origi repeated the trick three days later, when Leeds United visited Anfield in the EFL Cup, with his near-post finish setting up another 2-0 win which sent Liverpool into the semi-finals.
Klopp has praised the No.27’s attitude and application on numerous occasions and now the striker’s compatriot, Simon Mignolet, has explained why he is a perfect example of the mentality within the squad.
“He has been very eager to come onto the pitch and grasp his chance,” the goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It had been very difficult for him to show anything with only short periods of playing. Now he has had the chance. Divock came in and grasped his chance and scored very important goals for us.
“That’s what you need as a team and as a squad – you need everybody to put in performances and help the team out. Sometimes it’s how strong your bench is that is really important to get the points you need in the end.
“We train hard. Everybody is doing that at the moment, not only the players that are playing.
“Everybody is trying to be ready for when he needs to be there, when the manager asks. In training, we make sure we keep each other fit and sharp, to make sure everybody is ready when needed.”
Mignolet added: “We’ve got a few injuries at the moment, so we need everybody.
“Divock will get the chance to show what he’s capable of. Let’s hope it’s like last year, the period when he came into the team and helped us with goals. Those goals are really important to get points.”
LFCTV GO: Origi's opener against Leeds
Origi’s positive impact has been especially timely for Klopp and Liverpool given the injuries that have recently affected several attacking players.
He replaced Philippe Coutinho in the first half of the victory over Sunderland after the influential No.10 suffered an ankle injury which will rule him out for around five weeks.
Daniel Sturridge is currently sidelined with a calf issue, Adam Lallana has just returned to training following a groin problem and Danny Ings is going to miss the remainder of the campaign.
“We reacted well in the game, because if something like that happens – and everyone knows he is injured – you can be deflated as a team or start thinking about other stuff,” said Mignolet.
“We reacted well and kept focus on the game. We wish Phil the best.
“It’s not nice to see anybody injured, but it’s part of football. Throughout the season every squad and every team will have to deal with injuries and suspensions.
“We then need the whole squad to deal with that and help out when needed. And we’ve got that squad inside the dressing room – everybody is pushing each other, the mentality is right.
“Everybody is positive and we’re a good bunch of lads, going in the same direction with the same idea. That’s what you need to be successful.”
The clash with Leeds, meanwhile, included a moment of club history.
On as a substitute, 17-year-old Ben Woodburn grabbed the second of the night with a clinical blast to become the youngest player ever to score for the senior Liverpool team.
His goal was the highlight of another satisfying evening for those working hard at the Academy to produce the best talent, as Trent Alexander-Arnold seamlessly slotted in at right-back and Ovie Ejaria eased into midfield.
Mignolet added: “It’s always nice and we have had a few this year who have made their debuts.
“That’s a good thing for Liverpool for the future – we have got loads of good young players. The quality and talent they have is unbelievable, we see it every day in training.
“It’s only credit to them for getting their chance for the first team. They have been working hard, trying to impress the manager, and if they get their chance, we’re all behind them to help.”