Origi determined to repay faith
Divock Origi has revealed he is being encouraged to develop into 'one of the best players in the world' by Brendan Rodgers.
Liverpool swooped to sign the Belgian starlet from Lille this summer after playing a prominent role for his country during the World Cup finals in Brazil; although the striker will remain with the French side this season, on loan.
Origi announced himself on the world stage by scoring the winning goal at the Maracana during Belgium's 1-0 defeat of Russia, and continued to impress throughout the tournament.
Now, as he prepares to continue his development in Ligue 1 - and possibly the Champions League if Lille advance from the qualifiers - Origi revealed his new club had long been monitoring his progress, and that manager Brendan Rodgers has high expectations of him.
"He [Rodgers] wants me to become one of the best in the world," Origi told L'Equipe.
"Liverpool followed me for a long time. When I arrived in the offices there, they showed me cassettes of me in the U15s. Everyone knew me. I couldn't believe it."
The 19-year-old also went on to admit being delighted by the brief experience he's had with other members of the Reds first XI squad.
"When I arrived, I was impressed," continued Origi.
"Steven Gerrard told me it was a shame that I wouldn't be there straight away as everyone was waiting impatiently for me. That means something.
"I also saw [Daniel] Sturridge, who was very nice."