The Man of Many Moments, Divock Origi

Football is above all else, a business. In order to be successful in football, in order to survive in football, you need money. But football wouldn’t be able to make the sort of money it does without providing us with the ability to dream, the ability to get lost in the magic of winning, or the misery of losing. In that sense, Divock Origi is the perfect footballer. Never has he been the most consistent of players, never has he been the most talented of players. Yet in a game in which every touch, every action is viewed under the microscope, Origi has managed to provide a consistent ability of special moments, moments that have provided so many people with joy that will last a lifetime.

In the future, people might be forgiven for thinking Divock Origi was one of the elite strikers of his time just by watching his highlight reel on YouTube. It’s hard to put into words just what he’s meant to Liverpool Football Club, and what he’s meant to me as a fan. Rarely — if ever — have we seen a player be such an enigma. Rarely have we seen a player that is sat on the bench for 85% of a season then consistently pop up with some of the biggest goals in a clubs history.

We’ve had goals in a Merseyside Derby, goals in Champions League semi-finals, and goals in Champions League finals. He’s been key in some of the greatest comebacks Anfield has ever seen. Divock Okoth Origi has provided my life with so many memories, it only felt right to pay homage to him. So here it is, a look back at the spectacular Liverpool career of Number 27, dissecting some of his biggest goals for the club:

The Beginning

Liverpool and Origi’s story started in 2014. Around a month after announcing his name with an 88th minute winner for Belgium against Russia at the World Cup in Brazil, it was confirmed that he would be joining the Anfield club for around ten million pounds, remaining on loan at Lille for the 2014–15 season. Although he was not yet on Merseyside, there were more eyes on him than ever before. His season on loan at Lille didn’t exactly go to plan, being (rather unfairly based on being a 20 year old) named in L’Equipe’s Worst XI of the season.

For someone that was often seen as a confidence player, this could have been a label that followed him around, especially as a young player moving to one of the world’s biggest clubs (even if this was the somewhat dormant Liverpool of the pre-Klopp era). In his typical doing-things-in-the-most-spectacular-way, Origi waited four months for his first Liverpool goal and then scored a hat-trick in the same game. For most that was an inconsequential game, one that fades into the obscure memories of the brain, a 6–1 League Cup win away at Southampton. To me, it meant a little bit more. It was the night before my Uncle’s funeral (who just so be it was a huge Everton fan), and it was the first time in my life that I could remember seeing my Dad upset. That game offered something of a bit of joy, as Origi gave us a smile in a time of sorrow.

That goal somewhat inspired the Belgian. He went on to score a last minute equaliser against West Brom (you may remember that game as Liverpool and Klopp were mocked for the ‘celebrations’) and as the club reached the latter rounds of the Europa League, Origi was selected — surprisingly — over Daniel Sturridge in a quarter final away game at Borussia Dortmund. This was our first taste of Origi’s love affair with big European games.

Goals Against Dortmund

This game was Jürgen’s return to Germany, and the club that had held him so close to their heart. It was his first major European tie for Liverpool and at the time the Merseyside club were regarded as slight underdogs to a side containing Mats Hummels, Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and more. Thirty six minutes into the game, Origi showed his awareness of space and his finishing ability (albeit with a deflection) in an instant.

As we can see above, Alberto Moreno lofts a pass towards James Milner. This attracts both Dortmund's central defenders (Bender and Hummels), which vacates a space in behind.

Origi, as good strikers do, reacts to the unlikely Milner flick on ahead of Piszczek, and ends up picking the ball up on the edge of the area.

Instead of taking a touch to put himself ahead of the defenders with an on-rushing Weidenfeller, the Ostend born attacker shows an awareness to use his body to slow the situation down. He then — to the surprise of the defenders — takes the shot without taking a touch on the spin. While the goal did take a deflection to send it into the bottom corner, the goal was the first real taste we had of Origi’s awareness of situations, and his ability to catch defences by surprise.

That goal gave Liverpool a slight advantage going into the second leg — despite a second half equaliser from Hummels. However, that was quickly wiped out thanks to two goals in the first ten minutes from Mkhitayran and Aubameyang at Anfield, leaving Liverpool needing three goals without reply going into half time.

Three minutes into the second half, Divock Origi injected Anfield with hope.

As Emre Can picks up the ball in the middle of Dortmund’s half, and in similar fashion to his goal in the first leg, Origi identifies the space to be exploited in behind Dortmund’s high line, picking up the space in between centre back and full back and running off the shoulder.

Unlike his goal in the away leg, Origi takes a (slightly heavy) touch to bring it ahead of him and the defenders. With Weidenfeller bearing down on him once again, Origi instinctively stabs the ball past the goalkeeper to bring the aggregate score back to 2–3. While a lot happened after that (Reus scored to give Dortmund a 2–4 lead, before Coutinho, Sakho and an iconic Lovren goal completed a famous comeback), Origi’s goal gave Klopp’s side the platform to believe they could turn this game around.

The Injury

If you’re an Everton fan, this is Origi’s villain origin story. The Belgian was looking more confident with every performance, and despite not scoring a bucket load of goals, his all round play was improving. Origi was picked by Klopp again to start a big game — the Merseyside derby. Again, it paid off for the German. Just before half time, Origi gave Liverpool the lead with a towering back post header. Liverpool came out for the second half 2–0 to the good and enjoying (as they usually do) the derby. Just after half time, Origi picked the ball up high in the Everton half, take a touch to control the ball and was then met with a horrific challenge from Funes-Mori. The challenge left Origi with severe ligament damage. While the challenge didn’t keep him out for too long (around seven games according to Transfermarkt), it had a huge impact on the momentum he was building. It also appears to have had an impact on his motivation for this fixture…

Second Season Syndrome

2016/17 is often forgotten in the Origi folklore. In terms of Premier League goals, it was his best season (7 goals in his highest minutes for a league season). However, it was a season without any of those iconic moments we’ve come to expect of him, and one in which he flattered to deceive. Goals came against Sunderland, Bournemouth, West Ham, Middelsborough and of course, Everton. But overall, he was underwhelming. If the 2015/16 season was a promising start, the next one was something of second season syndrome. Liverpool fans began to get agitated at a player that often looked lost on the pitch, clearly lacking confidence. The Origi that looked able to identify space in behind defenders wasn’t quite there, and his explosiveness was gone. There were promising moments, especially a great finish to kill off the game against Everton, but he always left you wanting more.

The frustration from the fans was also clearly felt within the club. With Mo Salah coming in from Roma and Dominic Solanke brought in from Chelsea, Origi was allowed to leave the club for the 2017/18 season on loan, which he spent at Wolfsburg.

Rewriting a Legacy

I don’t think many people expected Divock Origi to stay around much longer after returning from Germany. His time at Wolfsburg was nothing to write home about, with six goals in thirty one appearances. He was coming back into a squad that had just reached a Champions League final, and was regarded as having the best frontline in Europe — there was little chance he’d ever start.

It took until the 2nd of December for Origi to see a Premier League pitch, and even then, he only came on with six minutes to go. Boy, did he take his chance. The opponent was, as it has been so often with Origi, Everton. Liverpool were on a title charge, unbeaten in the league and going toe to toe with Manchester City. As the clock ticked down, it was looking likely that their neighbours would hold them to a point. Up step, Divock Origi.

As van Dijk shanks a volley high into the air with the last kick of the game (notice the facepalm), all looks gone for Liverpool.

Whether by luck or intuition, Origi doesn’t give the ball up. What should be an easy catch for Jordan Pickford ends up hitting the bar…

Origi then reacts first, and his decision to follow the looping ball pays off in a massive way, resulting in one of the most famous goals this fixture has seen.

This goal wasn’t to do with skill, it was almost definitely divine intervention or luck (depending on what side of that debate you’re on). What this goal is though, is a perfect encapsulation of Divock Origi. The big moments almost came to him as much as he made them happen. I don’t believe in any higher power, but Origi had a date (or in his case, multiple dates) with destiny.

Corner Taken Quickly…

Divock Origi had never scored a Champions League goal when he was named in the lineup for the return leg of the semi final against Barcelona. Liverpool weren’t in a good position coming into the game. They needed to overturn a 3–0 deficit without Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. Nobody gave them any real chance of defeating that Barcelona side (even if they had imploded in similar circumstances the season before).

It took six minutes for him to give Anfield hope.

As Sadio Mané picks up a loose Jordi Alba header deep in the Barcelona half, Origi is positioned where most good strikers should be, on the shoulder of the central defender.

As Jordan Henderson then wriggles through Barcelona’s defence, Origi has bent his run to now be on the blindside of Barcelona’s fullback Sergi Roberto.

Origi then has all the time in the world to put in the rebound after Ter Stegen spills out Henderson’s shot. Another case of Origi being in the right place at the right time on the biggest occasion. While this goal might look like a tap in (and that’s because it is), the intelligence of the Belgian to bend his run and anticipate that something might fall his way is exactly what we expect from attackers at an elite level.

Liverpool went into half time 1–0 to the good, but still needed two more to tie the game. Those goals came in quick succession, both from Gini Wijnaldum. As fifteen minutes went by, the game looked destined to go the distance to extra time. Up step, Divock Origi.

Seventy eight minutes had passed and Liverpool had a corner. Then came Anfield’s most famous goal. The ballboy Oakley Cannonier (now a promising striker in the youth academy) threw the ball to Alexander-Arnold. As the fullback placed the ball down, he appeared to walk away in order to let Xherdan Shaqiri take it…

There was just one red shirt in that box, it was worn by Divock Origi.

As Alexander-Arnold quickly turns on himself and crosses the ball into the area, Origi has his back to the corner flag, slightly turning his head to assess the situation (Shaqiri is even blissfully ignorant that he isn’t taking the corner).

Origi quickly turns on himself and slams the ball into the top corner before any Barcelona player can react. This goal has been played a million times. It’s ingrained into the memory of every single Liverpool fan. If he’d only scored this goal for the club, he’d be remembered forever.

It’s yet another case of Divock Origi being in the right place at the right time (albeit I do feel as if this finish is underrated).

Saturday Night and I Like the Way You Move…

Liverpool were favourites going into the Champions League final against Tottenham. An early Mo Salah put them in the driving seat and heroic displays from Virgil van Dijk and Allison meant that Liverpool were leading with five minutes to go, but things were still tense. Up step, Divock Origi.

As James Milner’s corner was cleared to the edge of the box, van Dijk then forces possession back into the Tottenham box. Origi is coming back from an offside position, seemingly in a position which won’t see him get the ball.

Joël Matip then wins the knockdown and stabs the ball out to Origi…

Whose first touch is excellent, and sets himself forward and on the front foot to either get to the byline and square it for a currently offside Sadio Mané or…

Strike the ball with his weaker foot hard and low across Hugo Lloris to win Liverpool a sixth Champions League.

This was a great example of Origi’s genuine quality as a striker. He is able to get the ball out of his feet and has the confidence to strike the ball hard and low with his weaker foot. The biggest stage in club football belonged to Divock Origi. He only played thirty two minutes in that final, but his date with destiny was always going to allow him this moment. Another goal to add to this surreal career.

Everton, again

Origi only scored four goals as Liverpool went on to win their first league title in thirty years. Half of those goals came against Everton. Origi was named in the starting lineup as Liverpool made wholesale changes to play Everton in December 2019.

His first was Liverpool’s opener and came inside six minutes.

As Mané carries the ball deeper into Everton’s half, Origi has positioned himself in between the two Everton centre backs.

The Senegalese’s pass is inch perfect, and Origi’s old foe Pickford rushes out to try and stop the attack in its tracks at the edge of the box.

But Origi’s momentum and quickness of thought means he has the intelligence to take a touch around the England International and give himself all the time in the world to punish the mistake of the goalkeeper.

His second goal is even more impressive.

Dejan Lovren notices that Origi has again positioned himself between Everton’s two central defenders, and their high line has afforded space to run in behind.

He then perfectly plucks the ball out of the air. Giving him little time to set himself before Everton get back in to make a challenge.

He lets the ball bounce before lofting the ball over Pickford and punishes Everton yet again. Origi is only behind Steven Gerrard (who played a lot more in this fixture) for goals in the Merseyside Derby. This game has become his fixture, he has written himself into legend in the North West of England.

This season also featured a last minute bicycle kick against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, instead of me taking you through that one, just watch it in all its glory.

The Last Hurrah

The 2020/21 season was a disaster for Liverpool, and so too Origi. He didn’t score a league goal and barely played any minutes due to injuries. So we won’t focus on that.

The 2021/22 season was always known to be Divock Origi’s last at Liverpool. He is out of contract in the summer and it’s now all but confirmed he’s going to AC Milan.

Origi has scored six goals so far this season in all competitions, including a last minute winner away at Wolves.

As Salah picks up the ball out wide in the last seconds of the game, Origi is positioned slightly behind the two Wolves defenders, but in between them as he nearly always is.

Then as Salah makes his way to the byline, Origi has now positioned himself in front of the Wolves defender ready to receive the cut back.

Origi receives the ball behind him, and now has his back positioned to goal with a Mané making a break into the box.

However, instead of laying the ball into Mané’s path and allowing Wolves a chance to get a block or challenge in, Origi uses the element of surprise to catch the defender and Jose Sá out, hitting the ball on the turn and giving Liverpool a valuable three points. Another iconic goal for the catalogue then…

Then came Origi’s last game against Everton. He was named on the substitute bench as Liverpool hunted City in the title race and Everton needed a result in their bid to stay in the league. After forty five minutes Everton had frustrated Liverpool in a low block and the score was 0–0 at half time. Up step, Divock Origi.

Klopp turned to the Belgian at the sixtieth minute, replacing Naby Keïta. Two minutes later, Liverpool were 1–0 up.

While Andy Robertson scored the goal, Origi’s movement and intelligence helped create it.

As Salah picks the ball up out wide, Origi positions himself in front of the Everton defender with his back to goal, ready to receive the ball.

Salah obliges, and Origi’s first touch takes him towards the byline with five Liverpool players inside the box.

Origi manages to then swivel his hips and give the ball back to Salah, who uses his weaker foot to loft the ball to the back post.

Where Robertson has all the time in the world to head the ball past Pickford and give Liverpool a massive goal. While Origi didn’t score or assist here, his presence and intelligence create the goal. He makes himself available in a dangerous area and takes two defenders out of play so that Salah can make the cross.

Origi, of course, does get his goal in this game. It was a much needed one too, as nerves spread around Anfield.

In the eighty fifth minute, a Liverpool corner is cleared and picked up on the edge of the box by Jordan Henderson.

Origi is still in position from the corner, and doesn’t seem in a position to receive the cross here.

Henderson’s cross — in all honesty — is pretty poor, but the inventive mind and flexibility of Luis Díaz is able to set himself for an overhead kick, which he makes a semi-clean connection on. Meanwhile, Origi has been able to position himself on the shoulder of Michael Keane, who is unaware the Belgian is behind him.

Origi takes full advantage, keeping his finish down and killing the game off with a few minutes to go. In what is his last Merseyside Derby, it feels right that Origi changed the game. Everton fans will love seeing the back of him, but his name will always be written into this fixture. I don’t know what would have happened if Funes-Mori didn’t put in that challenge all those years ago, but it feels very apt that he bounced back and made this fixture his own.

Goodbye, Divock

One hundred and seventy five games, forty one goals and numerous iconic moments later, Divock Origi and Liverpool’s love affair is coming to an end. As I’ve said already, it’s hard to put into words just what he’s meant to everyone connected to this football club. He came to Anfield as a twenty year old and is leaving having won every trophy he could have won. He wasn’t always there on the pitch, but he was always there when it mattered.

Never has a player had such an affair with the big moments. He’s never played more than 25% of available minutes in a season yet he always managed to be on the pitch and make a difference when he was asked to. He’s provided memories that will go beyond this lifetime and be passed down to Liverpool fans far into the future.

That goal in the Merseyside Derby. That goal against Barcelona. That goal in Madrid. He’s made the big stage his own yet never does he ask for the spotlight. He’ll never read this but if he does — thank you Divock, for providing moments of happiness when they were most needed, thank you for making football enjoyable again, thank you for all the bragging rights. Thank you for everything, Divock.