Divock Origi's Liverpool legend is assured, his future definitely is not

Since assuming heroic status in the Champions League last season, it is fair to say Divock Origi has not been battering down Jurgen Klopp’s door demanding a starting place.

His most regular cameos might best be described as more of a gentle tapping at the window.

Nothing will impact Origi’s Anfield legacy. When you write your legend with Merseyside derby goals, a matchwinning contribution to a European Cup semi-final, and the killer goal in the final itself, you get a free pass forever. There are feasts for the Belgian striker to dine out on. That does mean he and his manager should not be greedy for more.

During his inauspicious hour against Aston Villa, Origi played on the left, right and through the middle of the front three with no contribution. The performance did little to remove doubts about whether Liverpool would keep their impeccable recent standards if they lost Sadio Mane, Mo Salah or Roberto Firmino for a prolonged spell.

Only when the trio reformed after an hour with Liverpool toiling against Aston Villa did they find their mojo to win 2-0. Even when accounting for the understandable lack of jeopardy in their remaining games, it is not the first time that has been written when Jurgen Klopp has been tempted to change. The drop in standards is too extreme when one is missing, in this case Firmino rested.

With Klopp planning another prudent summer in the transfer market - this time through financial compulsion more than necessity - there is an onus on the back-up squad to push on.

Many have been barely needed in this title campaign, Origi the go-to man from the bench and during Anfield derbies, Naby Keita rotating between encouraging and injured, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given the time since his long-term absence to make himself a permanent starter rather than deputy. At the moment, it is Keita - responsible for the assist for Mane’s opening goal on 71 minutes - who looks next in line behind the central three and James Milner.

Given his instant impact, Curtis Jones will be pushing hard at the start of next season, too, the youngster celebrating signing a new deal by adding Liverpool’s second at The Kop end on 90 minutes.

The worries of those who want Liverpool to strengthen are not based on Klopp’s favoured line-up being fit and available. It is what happens if too many, especially in the famed front three, are not.

Klopp will never publicly doubt the qualities of his attacking deputies, but in a more stable financial climate, it is inconceivable he would not be seeking to add more ammunition.

For those on the fringes, these final games are pivotal, offering reassurance to themselves as much as the manager.  Keita and Jones offer glimpses into what may lie ahead, as does full-back Neco Williams.

Origi could never play for Liverpool again and still leave as a God, but on this occasion, only the weekend reopening of the hair salons turning - him into a dramatic bleach blonde - enabled him to catch the eye.