Ah, Divock Origi. Words do not do his Champions League contributions justice.
Over the course of our lives, we have been treated to some truly special games in the Champions League. From El Derbi Madrileno in 2014 to “that” night in Istanbul, each and every fixture has produced memories that will never be forgotten by the fans who have lived them.
Sadly, the Madrid final wasn’t one such occasion (for the neutral, anyhow).
The humid Spanish climate combined with an anchoring rustiness – resulting from a three-week break from the game – to create a truly average spectacle in which football fans were forced to watch two painfully lethargic sides battle it out whilst nursing wistful conjectures of what could have been between Barcelona and Ajax.
Sometimes though, these minor details can be overlooked. Especially when you’re the faithful supporters of the club whose stars are currently nibbling their way through freshly forged Champions League medals.
What a roller coaster journey it has been.
From the early Anfield dramatics against Paris Saint-Germain to the nerve-wracking win over Napoli to narrowly secure the final spot heading into the knockout rounds, the group stage certainly came with its ups and downs in Italy, Serbia and France.
(we still can’t believe this happened)
However, Liverpool really came alive when it mattered most. Bayern Munch, the Bavarian giants, who generally walk the domestic league, were made to look like blithering idiots in their own backyard. And Porto, having only just recovered from last year’s misery, were dished up a beating in Portugal.
Then there was Barcelona.
Watching Luis Suarez and fellow ex-Liverpool snake Philippe Coutinho crumble to a Reds masterclass was entertainment in its purest form. We’ll never forget the image of their little faces trying to comprehend the whirlwind force that had just ripped their dreams away in such unprecedented fashion; that a man by the name of Divock Origi, whose Liverpool career looked in serious doubt at one point this season, would dare spoil Lionel Messi’s European party.
Quality entertainment.
There have been a fair few decent performers in the Liverpool squad leading up to their sixth Champions League victory, however, there’s only one man in our mind that deserves it.
…Divock Origi.
Yes, it is the not-so-Unsung Divock Origi who takes home our ultimate prize today. Why? Well, Liverpool would be left without a trophy again this season if it wasn’t for his heroics.
It’s funny, isn’t it? There’s literally every chance that, had Firmino played against Barcelona, as many fans would’ve wanted, one of the most iconic comebacks in history may never have occurred. Origi would have simply sat on the bench for the majority of the contest and may have only squeezed in a couple of minutes at the end of the game.
Furthermore, while some players may have been left disheartened by the decision to be removed them from the starting line-up of the final they alone got their side into, Origi stayed strong, bided his time and made it count when he was introduced.
We also have to remember that this is a man who has gone from being considered one of the worst strikers in the league to re-branding himself as the ultimate big game player. That journey alone is worthy of mention, commendation and praise. And when garnished with the context and glory of the Champions League, you’ve got yourself a bonified cult hero in the making.
Liverpool fans, do you agree with our selection? Who impressed you the most in the Champions League this season? Let us know in the comments below…
