Liverpool Youngster Reveals He Snubbed Manchester United As A Teenager

Divock Origi has become a regular for the Reds after the injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge. The 21-year-old has repaid the faith shown in him by Jurgen Klopp and even scored against Bournemouth in the 4-3 loss last weekend.

Origi was signed after impressing for Belgium in the 2014 World Cup and even though Brendan Rodgers brought the youngster to the club, Origi was sent out on loan to Lille for one year.

The Belgian was hot property at that time and credit must be given to the former manager for wrapping up the deal quickly and Origi stated that Liverpool was not the only club looking to sign him back then.

“There were offers from everywhere. Bayern were interested, all these clubs. But I came to Liverpool, I saw the facilities, I took some time out of my vacation to visit Melwood and speak with (then manager) Brendan Rodgers,” he told the Mirror.

The 21-year-old also highlighted the tradition and values of the club, which certainly helped in making the decision to join the Merseyside club back then.

“When I came in, everyone knew my name, they knew who I was and they were looking at a video of me even from the under-15s. They knew about my qualities and when I saw the values of the club – passing, pressing, fast players – I was like: ‘this is the place I want to go.’

“When I first came in to Liverpool, I realised quickly what an immense club this is. We went to Malaysia, it was very nice to see because you see how big players maintain their level, the work they put in, the professionalism and how strikers are working.”

Origi shining for the Reds this season

Many expected Origi to play a bit part role this season as the Reds were not playing in Europe but the 21-year-old has taken his chances really well. With Sturridge out due to injury, the onus on leading the attack recently has fallen on the young shoulders of the Belgian.

Origi has scored five goals this season and has netted three goals in his last three games and will be looking to get on the scoresheet against West Ham United as well. The Reds need to keep on winning if they are to keep tabs with the leaders Chelsea and Origi seem to be the man who gives Liverpool a different dimension in attack.

He isn’t just a target man at the top of the attack but is willing to make runs for the likes of Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino to exploit. If Origi continues performing at the same rate till the end of the season, he could become the number one striker for Liverpool, ahead of Daniel Sturridge.