ORIGI: I WANT TO BE A RED ROM
Striker says he can be Liverpool’s Lukaku.. but is frustrated on bench
DIVOCK ORIGI has declared he wants to be Liverpool’s Romelu Lukaku as he warned he will not be an Anfield sub forever.
The Belgium striker, 21, scored in five consecutive matches before Christmas – but has started only one Premier League match since January.
And he is also second choice for his country behind Everton’s Lukaku, who has scored 27 goals for club and country this season.
Belgium face Greece in a World Cup qualifier tomorrow before facing Russia in a friendly on Tuesday, and Origi, 21, said: “Obviously, I would like to play – no-one is happy being a sub. I know what I can do.
“I play in a big club like Liverpool, but Romelu is playing well. He works very hard and concentrates on good things. I want the same as him and I am working for that. I believe in myself and I will achieve that.
“But sitting on the bench, sometimes it’s depressing. I don’t think I am far from a starting place in a top club but I have to continue to work. I would like to be a player who Liverpool rely on.
“My future – we will see at the end of the season – but I can tell you I am hungry.”
The £10million signing from Lille has scored eight goals and contributed four assists this season but boss Jurgen Klopp can also call on the firepower of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
“Last season, we were in four competitions so it was easier to have game-time,” Origi added. “But now there is only the league. I have known such situations before and the experience helps me stay positive.”
The Belgian insisted he had “a good relationship” with Klopp. “We speak every now and then,” he said.
“OK, I don’t ask him directly why I am not playing but we speak. He knows my potential. Jurgen Klopp is a passionate person – he is very well-suited at a club like Liverpool.”
EVERTON have taken a step further in their plans to build a new £300m stadium after agreeing a deal for the site. They have reached agreement with landowners Peel Holdings for the Bramley Moore Dock site in the north of the city by the River Mersey.
The Blues opted for this site in January after failing in bids to build their new home on three previous locations.
They will need planning permission from the local authority for the proposal.