Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could barely contain his enthusiasm on Saturday while reflecting on the impact of “cult hero” Divock Origi, who had just come off the bench to score a last-minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers.A
The second-half substitute latched on to a Mohamed Salah pass, smashing the ball into the bottom corner to break the deadlock and sink a spirited Wolves side.
Origi’s goal sparked wild celebrations from the visitors, while Klopp ran straight to the centre circle to hug the striker after the full-time whistle. It was some way for the Belgian, 26, to mark a curious milestone – his 100th appearance as a Liverpool substitute.
“He’s such a great player, a great guy,” an ecstatic Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Coming on and contributing like he did today, scoring that goal – outstanding. I’m really, really happy for him.”
Origi has become a fans’ favourite at Anfield, having already racked up an impressive portfolio of late goals for the Reds.
His latest strike was his 10th as a substitute in the Premier League – no player has scored more from the bench for the Reds in the competition.
His other memorable moments include the 87th-minute strike in the 2019 Champions League final and his winner in the closing stages of a 2018 derby against Everton.
“Divock Origi, the legend, finished it off and it’s a great story,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“He’s an incredible striker. For different reasons, he has not played that often but I hope one day he finds a manager that plays him more than I do.
“He’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever seen in my life. In this great team, with our [front] three, he doesn’t play all the time but he is a very positive boy, loves the club, wants to contribute, and he did in an incredible way.”
BBC
