Jurgen Klopp's Divock Origi verdict rings true despite inferiority to Liverpool forebears

It truly is strange how football works. Fernando Torres, Michael Owen perhaps, debatably even Luis Suarez, were never accepted as Liverpool greats by a sceptical fanbase, despite all-time goalscoring exploits.

Divock Origi on the other hand, has finally left Anfield - after agreeing to join AC Milan on July 1 when his Reds contract officially expires - with one word unanimously aired in celebration of his status: “legend”.

Jurgen Klopp used the phrase several times when he confirmed the striker would be leaving the club, after eight eventful years - and that is an understatement - on Merseyside, suggesting: “he’s one of the most important players I ever had.”

Given that he scored only 41 goals for the club in 171 appearances over those eight years, on the surface that would seem a rather gushing tribute to an unassuming player, who many suggest never truly made the most of his talents with Liverpool.

Yet where the aforementioned three posted far greater numbers in shorter periods at Anfield, they departed by forcing an exit in search of greater riches and honours. And none can claim to have scored more important goals for Liverpool.

In fact, perhaps David Fairclough aside, there is an argument that no one in Liverpool’s history has matched Origi’s contribution to the club in achieving so much by doing so - relatively - little.

And here perhaps, is where greatness is defined. As a goalscorer, Origi has scored the most iconic goal of Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield reign - and quite possibly the top three.

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His winning goal in the Champions League semi final tie with Barcelona in 2019 is not just iconic. It is historic. Even his name is