Jurgen Klopp has dubbed Divock Origi a “legend on and off the pitch” following his insurance goal against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
The Reds struggled to break through a resolute Everton defense in the opening 45 minutes, but Andy Robertson’s header broke the Toffees’ resistance in the second half.
Origi replaced Naby Keita on the hour mark, and the Belgian forward added to his tally of late Liverpool goals with an 85th-minute header to secure the victory.
“He is a legend on and off the pitch. He is a fantastic footballer, a world-class striker, and is our best finisher, always was,” Klopp told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“I have to make really hard decisions as the boys all want to contribute. Everybody loves Div and rightly so. He was again very decisive.”
Origi’s third Premier League goal of the season increased his tally to 41 in 173 appearances for Liverpool, although he is expected to depart in the summer when his contract expires.
The Reds have now closed the distance on Premier League leaders Manchester City to one point ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal.
