Divock Origi took 7 minutes against West Ham to show Liverpool what they need

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Divock Origi was only on the pitch for 16 minutes as Liverpool lost 3-2 to West Ham United. He quickly showed them a transfer they could use, however.

Liverpool struggled to create chances as they lost 3-2 against West Ham United. Well, they did and they didn’t.

Their goal was a piece of brilliance from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Beyond that, Sadio Mane had two golden opportunities but took neither. Both came from fantastic crosses out wide.

Now, creating from out wide isn’t a problem for Liverpool. Against West Ham, though, it was really their only option as their opponents clogged the middle of the pitch with hard-working, physical players.

That also meant that any deliveries had to be pretty perfect as West Ham were only with being all over the Reds. On occasion, they were – even if Liverpool didn’t take advantage.

But in Divock Origi, Liverpool saw exactly how they could damage teams like West Ham properly. Even if the Belgian isn’t a preferred option.

Origi scores for Liverpool vs West Ham

On 82 minutes, something new happened. Liverpool got the ball into the box and caused a bit of chaos.

It popped up to Divock Origi, who had come on seven minutes earlier, and the 26-year-old actually had time. He controlled the ball with one foot, spun, and finished into the far corner.

It was a wonderful goal and Origi deserves plenty of plaudits for it. The strike was also exactly what Liverpool missed on Sunday.

Origi had time for one simple reason – he’s a physical presence. West Ham couldn’t get too close to him in the box as he’s capable of moving them out of the way.

Instead, they stood off him.

It was a small showcase of Origi being something different for Liverpool. He can be a target in the box and offer a physical threat that no one else can.

Diogo Jota is a brilliant poacher but he struggles for room in a crowded box. Defenders can smother him quite comfortably if he doesn’t have space.

It’s quite clear that Liverpool don’t back Origi to be a regular option, though. And that’s fine – he isn’t the most consistent player. But the squad could use a more reliable option in his mould.

It’s one for the transfer market. If Liverpool get it right, games like against West Ham could become far more routine.