Origi on shining his light, wide role and being 'fuelled' for Everton
Divock Origi shone his light against Watford and is ready to do so again in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
Liverpool’s No.27 made his second Premier League start of the season on Wednesday and marked the occasion with a clinical Kop-end finish as the Reds dispatched the Hornets 5-0.
With Roberto Firmino ruled out due to injury, Jürgen Klopp elected to start Sadio Mane at centre-forward, with Origi stationed on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right of his front three.
The boss’ decision was rewarded handsomely and, during his post-match press conference, he was full of praise for the Belgium international.
“Divock, defending for him, obviously he is not a natural on the wing, but he did it. Offensively he was constantly a threat, he was involved, he scored a fantastic goal,” said Klopp.
Next up for the Premier League leaders is the club’s 233rd meeting with Everton - and Origi, who settled the 232nd instalment of the rivalry in unforgettable fashion back in December, is hoping to pick up where he left off versus Watford at Goodison Park.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, Liverpoolfc.com caught up with the 23-year-old forward at Melwood to discuss playing out wide, being ‘fuelled’ for the derby and, of course, his 96th-minute winner against the Blues at Anfield…
On being positioned on the left wing in midweek…
I liked it. I always said that I could play in all the positions up front. People maybe saw me more in a Liverpool shirt as a striker, but I definitely can play on the wing and I enjoyed the game. Starting at youth level I used to play striker and sometimes on the wing, and then one day before the [Watford] game we had a tactical session where we worked on it, so I mixed both experiences.
I think I feel comfortable when I’m in that position. Of course I scored a couple of goals like that and because I can play in three positions up front I like to move around and when I turn up on that left side, since I was young that was one of my big qualities. I’m happy that I could show it in such a game.
On the importance of being physically and mentally prepared to step into the team when needed…
It’s crucial. We need every player, every single player. We need to stay focused we have a lot of quality, a lot of depth and that’s what pushes us to perform. The performances have been positive also as a result of that, so for me personally I just try to push myself as much as possible: if it’s training, a game, one minute or 90 minutes. So I’m happy that it turned out well.
On feeling confident heading into the derby after Wednesday’s performance…
Yeah, I think it was a good boost for me. It’s been a good season for us all and I always said that I wanted to shine my light, so I think having played that game, an important game, and being able to help the team, play my game and show my qualities, I was very happy.
Inside Anfield: Liverpool 5-0 Watford
On the team’s display against Watford being ideal preparation for the derby…
I think we played very well. It was one of our better games this season, the way we controlled the game and enjoyed the game. That’s the most importing thing, I think, for this part of the season where the games are getting more and more important, is just enjoying our game because we know we have quality. Enjoying sometimes means working hard and you could see that we were all passionate, the fans were behind us, so it was a very good performance and result. [The derby] is going to be an important game for all of us, so it’s a good boost. We need to use this and we have to be fuelled for the game on Sunday.
On whether Liverpool’s pursuit of the title adds extra significance to the Everton clash…
Yes, of course. We all know that we have big ambitions for this season, but we want to take it game by game and perform every game. We know what it means, this game has a bigger meaning for everyone, but in the end we have to stay focused, do what we do in training every day and just try to use all the elements to beat Everton because it is a good team. But we have all confidence that if we do everything we can, we can win this game.
On the potential importance of remaining patient at Goodison, as the Reds had to at Anfield…
Yes, we always have to stay patient and I think the goal can come anywhere, from the first minute to the 90th minute. The club now has more experience as well so we have to use that experience to break down games like these, so I think that will be an important thing, yes.
On what he expects from Everton tactically…
Honestly, I think the most important thing is to focus on us. We still have to do the tactical meeting. We know what they’re capable of, they are an energetic team with a lot of good individual players, so we’ll do everything to stop them as best as possible and be focused mentally, tactically, physically, everything, so that we can be fired up for this game.
On whether his last goal against the Blues represents his favourite moment in a Liverpool shirt…
I’ve had a lot special moments, but I think it’s up there. I never want to pick one moment, but I’d say it’s definitely up there.
On the prospect of scoring another derby winner this weekend…
I would take it every day!