Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren says star striker Divock Origi is like his little brother – despite looking the same age
The 27-year-old reckons in the in-form finisher looks a lot older than his 21 years but praises him for all his hard work
Sponsored by
DEJAN LOVEN has adopted Liverpool’s back-up goal machine Divock Origi as his little brother – but claimed they look the same age.
The 27-year-old centre-back has watched the in-form 21-year-old burst onto the scene with three goals in three games after first-choice finisher Philippe Coutinho got injured.
The ex-Southampton man has shared some words of wisdom with the free-scoring Belgian and praised his effort and attitude - especially when he has had to bide his time on Jurgen Klopp’s bench.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport’s daily LIVE blog.
But he seems to think all the hard work has aged the hotshot and added at least six years on.
Lovren told liverpoolfc.com: “I spoke a couple of times with Divock and it’s a bit like I’m his older brother and he’s listening to me!
“Actually, he’s amazing, especially for a young player. I can’t believe that I’m saying he’s young because he looks like me, old and everything!
“That’s the right attitude, you need to have patience. I know it’s quite difficult when you are young and you’re not playing."
Related Stories
Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminho have been keeping Origi on the sidelines - with Daniel Sturridge another obstacle in the way, when fit.
But with both the Brazilian playmaker and English striker struggling for fitness, Origi has stepped up and grabbed his chance.
The former Lille man has notched against Sunderland, Leeds and Bournemouth and could add plenty more to his tally with fixtures against West Ham and Middlesbrough coming up.
Lovren added: “You know you need to get the chance, but like I said to him, you need to work hard behind the doors, behind the scenes and you will get the chance, that’s for sure.
“Maybe someone will get injured and that’s the time. [But] if you didn’t work good, then it will be difficult to get in and you will need five or six games to score a goal.
“But he was working really professionally.”