All-rounder Origi could be ‘truly great’ for Liverpool – Kjaer

The 19-year-old Belgian has impressed for Lille as he continues to gain experience in France before joining the Reds next year


Liverpool-bound striker Divock Origi could become “a truly great player” for the Reds, believes Lille defender Simon Kjaer.

Belgium international Origi was signed by Brendan Rodgers over the summer and immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the season.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals in 14 appearances for Lille so far in 2014-15 and Kjaer argues that his young team-mate has no real weakness.

“He could be a truly great player for Liverpool,” the Dane told the Daily Mirror. “He has got great potential and could become one of the best players in his position.

“Origi is one of the greatest talents I have ever played with in Italy, Germany or France. I have no doubt about his potential.

“He’s still very young and it was a clever move to let him mature one more season with Lille but he’s got the complete package – physically, technically and great speed.

“A special thing about him is that he has no real weak spots which he needs to work on. Instead he can just work on the things he’s already good at. That’s a huge advantage.

“He’s actually pretty versatile. We can use him on both sides and up front as well. Now I have played with Origi for a year and he really seems to have a good mentality. He is a dedicated pro at his young age.”

With Mario Balotelli struggling for form since his €20 million switch from AC Milan, Liverpool have been rumoured to be pursuing an early recall to Anfield for Origi, though Lille coach Rene Girard is adamant that no such approach has been made and expects to keep the youngster until the summer.

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