According to Birmingham Mail, Wolverhampton Wanderers stand as firm favourites in the pursuit of Liverpool outcast Divock Origi. The Belgian forward has struggled with lack of game time, after returning from his loan spell at Wolfsburg in the summer.
It is believed that Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add more firepower to his attack this January and thus, Origi could be a smart choice.
Divock Origi: a smashing choice by Santo?
Wolves have certainly impressed in their return to the English top flight, especially against the big guns. However, they still lack depth in the attacking department, with the team often being too reliant on the services of Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican international has done incredibly well since arriving at the Molineux, being involved in 10 goals in 21 matches. But, the possible addition of Origi will surely provide some much-needed competition, which will be beneficial not just for the team but for Jimenez as well.
However, what makes Origi such an appealing target for Wolves are his characteristics as an attacker that could be ideally suited to Santo’s tactical philosophy.
Although the 23-year-old may not necessarily be a prolific goalscorer, he is known for his creative prowess in the final third, despite being distinguished as a centre-forward. As a matter of fact, the Belgian is excellent when it comes to linking up with teammates with quick passes in and around the penalty area.
Additionally, Origi is a physically dominant striker, who can keep hold of the ball even under pressure, which is an ideal trait for any Premier League forward these days, especially for one who is playing under Santo.
During his time at Wolfsburg, the 23-year-old showed excellent tenacity and often became a scourge for the opposition defenders, thanks to his sharp runs. Speaking of which, Origi’s sheer pace is arguably his biggest strength, as it allows him to make well-timed runs in behind the defence – something that was all too prevalent in his performances last season.
Furthermore, the Liverpool star is also known for his versatility in the final third as he can also be deployed in wider positions, which should be beneficial for the Premier League new boys, giving the manager additional options when it comes to his tactical choices in attack.
And considering how the likes of Helder Costa and Diogo Jota have suffered from frequent injuries this campaign, Origi’s versatility could prove to be priceless for the Wolves as they push for a Top 8 finish in the second half of the campaign.