Divock Origi says he is ready to lead the line for Liverpool this season, insisting: “I’ve always felt I’m a No.9”.
The Belgian is in contention to start the Premier League opener at Arsenal on Sunday after an impressive showing for the Reds in pre-season.
Origi scored 10 times during his maiden campaign with the club, his development under Jurgen Klopp particularly eye-catching.
And with Daniel Sturridge struggling with a hip issue, the 21-year-old should compete with Roberto Firmino for a place at the head of Liverpool’s attack at the Emirates this weekend.
“I’m feeling very good,” Origi told liverpoolfc.com . “I’m feeling sharp, I’m working very hard and I’m learning every day.
“I feel ready to start the season, whatever comes, and I have to stay fit and stay focused. I’m feeling good at this club and feeling good in this group.
“Every moment, day by day, I just try to maximise everything; if it’s training, if it’s recovery or game time, or opportunities to score.
“If you can do this, of course you reach big things, so that’s my goal this year: to be top on every level and try to be on a high level.
“We know it’s not that easy, especially as I’m on a learning process, so I just have to give everything I have got and see what it brings.
“I’ve always felt I’m a No.9. I can play alone up front and with another striker – even on the wing – but my strongest position is when I play as a No.9.
“The manager knows my qualities very well and he knows how to use me so my main aim is to help the team. Wherever I play I always try to help the team and score goals.”
Origi scored in Liverpool’s 4-0 win against Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday, though he was part of the side beaten 4-0 in Mainz less than 24 hours later.
But despite that mixed bag of a weekend, he says the Reds head into the season in good shape.
“We want to achieve the highest targets possible,” he added.
“It’s never easy but we have to stick together as a team and as a club.
“We know there will be good moments and moments that will be more difficult, but eventually, if we stick together, if we have the same plan, the same ambition, the same hunger, and if every teammate tries to help each other, I think we will stand very strong.
“We have a very big group with very talented players and we have very good staff.
“Everything is there to do great things so we always have to keep hope and keep pushing until the end and if we do this I’m convinced we can surprise people this year.”
