Klopp tells Premier League rivals of striker’s ‘incredible’ talent

Steven Gerrard faces an emotional return to Anfield on Saturday, as he takes his in-form Aston Villa side to face Liverpool in what promises to be an interesting encounter. 

The former England international spent his entire career in England with Liverpool, before a brief spell in the U.S, and is regarded by the club’s supporters as arguably their best ever player.

He recently took his first venture into English management, however, after impressing in Scotland with Rangers, and has overseen a marked improvement in the Villans’ performances during his short time in charge.

Now, he faces the prospect of returning to the club that he spent two decades at.

In the meantime, as talk grows of the much-anticipated return, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been speaking about the club’s former captain, and appears to have urged him to make an offer for a current Liverpool striker.

After Divock Origi’s added-time winner against Wolves on Saturday, a goal that sent them top of the table, Klopp hailed the striker and revealed that he was surprised he stayed put over the summer.

Origi netted his second Premier League goal of the season against Wolves on Saturday.

“If I was in another club I would go for him,” the German said.

“I thought it would happen, that’s true – because he didn’t gave massive game time.

“I am very happy that he’s still here. I didn’t expect it to happen, but I wouldn’t have been surprised (if it had happened).”

Klopp’s comments come after speculation linking the Belgian striker with a move to Villa Park.

The rumours were particularly frequent prior to Villa capturing Danny Ings, however there is still talk of a proposed move for Origi, who has scored a number of important goals for the club, including in the Champions League final in 2019.

The 26-year-old only made nine league appearances last term, but has scored four times in nine matches across all competitions so far this term.

Despite being fairly low down in the pecking order at Anfield, he may be given more opportunities when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane travel to the African Cup of Nations in the new year.