Liverpool survived a late scare to beat Norwich 2-1 in the FA Cup fifth round. A quickfire double from Takumi Minamino in the first half was enough for the Reds to make it to the quarterfinals. Norwich did add some excitement to the tie with a 76th-minute goal from Lukas Rupp, but it only proved to be a consolation. While Minamino took full advantage of his rare start, Divock Origi failed to impress Liverpool. The Belgian has chipped in with some important goals in recent times but was totally lost against a low-key Norwich.
Jurgen Klopp heavily rotated his starting eleven from the League Cup triumph over Chelsea. Both Minamino and Origi made the starting eleven in the rotation. Klopp had high praises for Minamino who “was a constant threat” according to him. Others in James Milner and Oxlade Chamberlain also enjoyed the night at Anfield, but Origi couldn’t shine.
Divock Origi “barely involved” for Liverpool
Journalist Ian Doyle didn’t hold back his feelings in Origi’s assessment from the Norwich game. Doyle was writing for Liverpool Echo and came harsh on the 26-year-old striker. While Milner and Minamino received applauds, Origi was called out for his display. However, Doyle didn’t take away Origi’s effort in assisting Minamino for Liverpool’s opener. “Barely involved, then showed the composure and presence of mind to calmly set up Minamino for the first,’ wrote Doyle. The journalist also further accused Origi for “plugging away” in the second half.
Doyle’s assessment is quite a justified one given Origi’s contribution to the game. Origi only had 22 touches to the ball, which were bettered by the man between the sticks for Liverpool, Alisson (46). What was more astonishing was that youngster Tyler Morton managed 21 touches, only one less to Origi’s despite playing for only half an hour.
The misery continued as the striker attempted a mere 13 passes of which 9 were completed in the 84 minutes he played. Origi’s night came to an end after Klopp replaced him with Sadio Mane.
Time for Origi to move on?
Divock Origi has become a fan favorite for Liverpool, despite scoring only 40 goals in 171 games. The reason is his remarkable goals like the one in the Champions League final and a 96th-minute winner in the Premier League against Everton. Klopp has time and time again praised Origi, even calling him a “monster” for his work rate. However, time may have come for Origi to bid a goodbye to Liverpool. The Belgian’s contract expires by the summer and the Reds are yet to offer him an extension.
Liverpool signed Diogo Jota from Wolves at the start of last season and has proven to be a guaranteed goalscorer. Jota has now benched Firmino and now Origi finds himself further away from regular game-time at Liverpool. Moreover, the Norwich game could prove to be Origi’s last start for the Reds. With players like Minamino, Harvey Elliot, and Luis Diaz ready to impress, Origi could well explore opportunities away from Liverpool.
The striker is still 26 and has a decent career ahead of him, which he won’t be willing to spend on the bench. Divock Origi has a Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup winner’s medal with Liverpool, and recently added a League Cup to it. But after all these trophies, Origi’s time at Anfield may just come to an end in the summer.
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