Divock Origi is set to be rewarded for his impressive late season form with a contract extension according to reports.
The Belgian striker still had another 12 months to run on his existing deal but The Independent says that Jurgen Klopp has been delighted with his commitment to the Liverpool cause despite only playing a handful of minutes on occasions.
The patience of the young striker has paid off recently with Roberto Firmino struck down with a muscle injury and missing some key fixtures during the last week.
Klopp has placed his faith in Origi ahead of the veteran Daniel Sturridge and he has delivered in kind, scoring three goals of vital significance in the last two games and six goals in total from just 19 appearances in all competitions.
There is no question that Origi has talent, as anyone who can lead the line in a big Europa League tie with aplomb or score five goals in as many games is illustration of that fact.
In addition, Origi is blessed with a blend of power and pace that some of his contemporaries would dream of.
However, the truth of the matter is that he has not used his strengths nearly enough with his languid style frustrating many observers.
Origi’s season on loan at Wolfsburg in 2017/8 certainly did not go to plan only scoring seven times from nearly 40 appearances.
There have been constant queries from other clubs about the services of Origi with Wolves one of the most interested parties but the Reds have decided to hang onto the former Lille man and that decision has now paid dividends.
While he wouldn’t have played as much as he would have liked during this campaign, the benefit of being at a club like Liverpool is having quality players to learn from.
Whether this stretch of fine form pushes Origi to the next level remains to be seen.
But he has shown this season but that he is not scared of the big stage and can produce the goods when the question is asked of him.
You certainly cannot ask for a better platform to build from than that.
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