"We need to speak about this guy" - Rio Ferdinand on Liverpool forward

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about Liverpool forward Divock Origi.

The Belgium international has been a squad player for Jurgen Klopp in recent times. Origi has only made five starts (16 appearances in total) for the Reds this season.

However, the 27-year-old has still impacted matches. Origi has found the back of the net six times and registered three assists for Liverpool across the 2021-22 campaign.

The forward has also been averaging a WhoScored player rating of 6.70 this season.

With that being the case, Ferdinand has recently praised the forward.

“Special mention please, Divock Origi, we need to speak about this guy,” he told his YouTube channel (37:15).

“This goes back to my point. I hear people slam squad players. Players like him, you don’t win big trophies without them.

"Someone who can sit out for 10 games and not moan, then he comes in and gives his all.

"Darren Fletcher was like that, Jonny Evans was like that sometimes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham too. Everyone knew (Dwight) Yorke and (Andy) Cole as the main strikers, but these two are the cult figures at the club for understanding the requirements and not moaning.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

We completely agree with Ferdinand. Whenever Origi has been asked by Klopp to make an impact out on the football pitch in recent times, he has done so more times than not.

We have never heard the Belgium international complain to the media about his lack of playing time. Squad players are important in any team.

The reality is, there will be days when the regular starters don't deliver. It is in those moments when players like Origi become important.

Also, squad rotation is massive in the modern game. Liverpool compete in a number of competitions, so there are times when players like Origi are required to start a match to give the stars a rest.