Garth Crooks raves about Liverpool star Divock Origi, after late Wolves winner

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Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week that a “player cannot survive by goals alone”, but it is credit to Divock Origi to survive at Liverpool as long as he has done after his winner against Wolves.

Origi, 26, has scored four goals in nine appearances for Liverpool this season – and was branded a “legend” by Jurgen Klopp after the match for his brilliant winner against Wolves at Molineux.

Receiving the ball from Mo Salah after a wonderful bit of play from the Egyptian, substitute Origi found the back of the net. Jose Sa had previously kept Wolves in the game with some stunning saves.

Despite playing just 38 minutes of Premier League football, spread across three substitute appearances, Origi has now scored two goals – once against West Ham, and now at Wolves.

But he is out of contract at the end of the season and the chances are that he will be leaving the club. BBC pundit Crooks had his say, even suggesting that Origi is loved in the Liverpool changing room.

“A player cannot survive by goals alone – not if you want to play regularly for Liverpool,” Crooks said. “Origi is as good a finisher as I’ve seen. To remain at a club when you have that finishing ability speaks volumes about the manager.

“Origi never complains on the bench but always seems the most dangerous man on the pitch when he’s called on. The response from his team-mates tells me just how popular he is in the dressing room.”

Crooks on Origi: Liverpool star’s form coming at the best time for Reds

And Origi, personally. For Liverpool, it is perfect timing with Salah and Sadio Mane set to represent their countries at the African Cup of Nations. For Origi, it puts him in the shop window.

The chances of Liverpool letting him go in January are nil – with Salah and Mane leaving. But the chances of him going in the summer are 100, and he can sign a pre-contract with an overseas club from January 1.

Origi’s improving form is a bonus for the striker himself, but for Liverpool, too.