On the heels of a strong World Cup, Liverpool signed Divock Origi from Lille and promptly lent him back to the French side for the season. The deal prompted questions in January, when Liverpool desperately needed strikers and the Belgian seemed incapable of producing in Ligue 1, scoring only nine all campaign.
Yet the 20 year-old has arrived and already tallied his first goal in his first match in red, scoring the the team’s final goal from a corner with a powerful header, in Liverpool’s 4-0 preseason opener against the Thai All Stars.
The debut brought praise from manager Brendan Rodgers and put Origi in a positive mood speaking to the assembled press in Bangkok.
“A goal is always good for the confidence and it felt very special to score in the first game,” revealed the new arrival.
Regarding his delayed entry into the side, he explained, “The wait last season was good for my development, but I wouldn’t say it was easy. I am a better player than a year ago when Liverpool decided to sign me and at this stage of my career I am learning a lot of things.”
While the extra year in France delayed his entry into the Premier League, Rodgers maintained constant contact to ensure progress and preparation for the transition to the Premier League.
“There was a good communication with Liverpool and it is always good to know that there is a club like Liverpool that want me and want me to improve from the moment I signed. And the manager stayed in touch while I was playing at Lille. I had a lot of contact with him.
“I just feel that now I am at the right moment and at the right place to be able to become a really good player.
“I am always confident about myself but now I am in a good place. I still have a lot to learn, but I am playing with experienced players and a very good staff that can help me improve every day.”
The youngster also consulted many of his teammates from the Belgian national team about the move to England, including rival Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.
“Vincent is always trying to help me. He is a great guy and an inspiration, and I know him from the training. So it will be nice to see him in the Premier League, even though he will probably try to kick me!
“All the Belgian players tried to help me. Of course. They always tell me good things about the Premier League.
“They are all excited and very happy to be playing against the teams. They told me I’d enjoy the Premier League as long as I give everything so I am excited to see how it goes.”
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