John Barnes has claimed that despite his recent goalscoring heroics, Divock Origi is incapable of establishing himself in Liverpool's first team.
The Belgian striker has been in fine form lately with three goals in his last four appearances, including the winner against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
However, during his Anfield career Origi has largely been a peripheral figure but has often provided an effective goal threat from the bench.
Former Reds winger Barnes believes that despite being revered by fans and his teammates, the 26-year-old will ultimately fail to force his way into Liverpool’s starting line-up on a consistent basis.
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“Divock Origi is never going to nail down a regular spot in the Liverpool team, because he won’t play ahead of Jota, Mane, Firmino or Salah, but that’s not what he needs to do”, Barnes told Bonus Code Bets.
“He is part of a squad not fighting for regular spot, but if he’s happy fighting to come off the bench then so be it.
“He’s not under-appreciated because the fans appreciate him, and his teammates appreciate him as well.
“Realistically though, he’s not going to get in ahead of the regular front four.”
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It remains to be seen if Origi will keep his place in the starting line-up after netting the winner at the San Siro for the visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
However, the forward is set for a spell in Liverpool’s first team when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane leave for the African Cup of Nations next month.
In total the Belgium international has scored 40 goals in 167 appearances since joining the club from Lille in 2014.
