As soon as Eden Hazard laid the ball back into the path of Divock Origi on the edge of the box, in a crucial World Cup clash against Russia, the young man was coolness personified. He struck the ball powerfully, but accurately, past the outstretched fingertips of Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, and wheeled away in celebration with his team mates. A star was born.
After his successful World Cup campaign, he was targeted by the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid, but chose Anfield ahead of the aforementioned three as the place where he will develop as a player throughout the coming seasons. A £12.5 million move looks all but confirmed, with it seeming that he will return on loan next season to current employers Lille, for whom he scored 6 times for last season.
Origi is quick, clinical and physical. Standing at 185cm in height, the attacker can also play as a wide player due to his electric pace. Because he can play in more than one role, he is a player that Rodgers will enjoy working with. The Northen Irish coach likes to have the option to quickly rotate his system mid-game, and the dynamic Origi will certainly cater for that need.
Origi will provide competition for the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Fabio Borini and co., or alternatively could line out alongside either. In an area that Liverpool had no trouble last season, the next few years may turn out to be a barren spell should Daniel Sturridge fail to exceed the standards set by himself and Luis Suarez last season.
In previous transfer windows, the Reds have lost out on many potential targets but obviously their progress and qualification back into the Champions League is making the Anfield club more attractable for players wanting to move. Origi will become the side's 7th addition this transfer market, and it is refreshing to see that manager Rodgers is looking not only to reinvest the Luis Suarez cash in the present, but also on the future.