Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Divock Origi determined to reach his full potential as a Liverpool player

Divock Origi is hoping he is able to fulfil his potential at Liverpool and says he has yet to arrive at the peak of his talents.

Origi, 22, moved to Liverpool from Lille in the summer of 2014 -- before being loaned back to the French club for the season -- and has shown flashes of his ability during his first two campaigns at Anfield.

However, the Belgium international now faces increased competition for regular action up front this term, with Daniel Sturridge being fully fit and Danny Ings close to a return from injury, as well as Dominic Solanke having joined from Chelsea earlier in the summer. 

"I've made steps," Origi told Liverpool's official website. "When I look at my potential, I can see a lot. I had some very good moments and I had some moments where it was difficult, which is normal because you're still on the way. I'm not at my peak yet in my career.

"For me, it's about enjoying my game every moment. It's not easy but you need to work hard, and the older you become the more you realise there's a lot more than enjoying the game.

"I'm really passionate. I wouldn't want to end my career and not fulfil my potential. What I know is that I believe in my qualities. If I enjoy every minute then good times are coming and the bad times will make me stronger.

"It's a human feeling to feel pressure, to doubt, to sometimes feel down. But I look more on the bright side. I really appreciate the things that I've got in life, even the simple things: being healthy, having a family that's around me.

"The fact I can play at this level at this age is a blessing. It's on me to enjoy every moment. Football is a way of expressing myself and it has always been."

Origi has been linked with a return back to France this summer, but he recently said that a move away from Liverpool has not been on his mind.

The striker says he feels happy and settled on Merseyside as he is about to enter his third campaign with the club.

"When I first came I didn't know what to expect. I visited Liverpool before I signed. I visited the club, I met the people," he added. "The people are very special, they're warm and they always treat you in a warm, respectful way.

"They are passionate. They are hard-working people who always want to help you and push you. I always appreciate good vibes and the love of the people.

"The supporters appreciate it when you enjoy your game. You push each other forward: you give them joy and they give me joy. When I score I share it with them. When I do something good I share it with them. When we have bad moments we go through it together."

Meanwhile, Origi will sit out Liverpool's friendly with Bayern Munich on Tuesday night after feeling discomfort in his hamstring during the warm-up of the Hertha Berlin game on Saturday. 

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