Matt Le Tissier has claimed that Divock Origi is “one of the unluckiest footballers in the Premier League” after he was left out of Liverpool’s starting lineup for their 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
The 24-year-old was dropped from Jurgen Klopp’s side for the trip to the south coast, despite scoring a brace in the Merseyside derby in midweek.
And Le Tissier has expressed his sympathy for him.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (December 7th, 14.45), he said: “He delivers.
“He’s probably one of the unluckiest footballers in the Premier League at the moment, given what’s in front of him, given who he has to get past to get into that team.
“Fair play to him, when he gets a chance in big moments, he stands up and makes himself be counted. He’s been terrific for them.”
OPINION
It’s hard to argue with Le Tissier here. Origi has, over the course of the past couple of seasons, turned himself into a predator, pure and simple, and if he was playing for pretty much any other side in England he would be starting every single week. Last season he hit a goal every 95 minutes, as per Transfermarkt, and that kind of razor sharp marksmanship would ordinarily be enough to ensure a much more regular role. Of course, the issue is that he is competing with the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane for a central striking role, and it’s understandable why minutes are at a premium for the Belgian. All of that being said, he seems quite content with his role. Every squad needs depth, and Origi’s role as a super sub could well prove to be a vital asset for the Reds in a season that promises to run and run.
