Divock Origi has become Liverpool's go-to man in the Premier League title race despite being on his way out of Anfield in August.
The Belgian striker could have joined Wolves before the start of the season but snubbed a move to Molineux and stayed put, despite appearing way down the pecking order.
Origi didn't make an appearance until November when he was thrown on in Belgrade with Liverpool trailing to Red Star.
That was his only outing in a month before Jurgen Klopp turned to the forgotten man against Everton and Origi snatched a dramatic winner thanks to Jordan Pickford's almighty gaffe.
Since then, he has been a key part of Klopp's plans and given his Anfield career a huge lift, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Origi's attitude and effort in training is said to have been exemplary during his time on the sidelines.
The Reds boss is also a big fan of the 23-year-old's flexibility, with Origi comfortable through the middle or on either flank.
Klopp knows he can trust his player to work tirelessly on and off the ball and that may be why he has overtaken Xherdan Shaqiri and Daniel Sturridge in the German's thinking.
Origi accepts he is unlikely to dislodge Klopp's front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah but knows he will have a role to play in the run-in.
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With Liverpool needing a goal against Tottenham on Sunday, Origi was again preferred to his fellow substitutes as he replaced Jordan Henderson.
That change saw Liverpool go for the jugular and although they almost lost it, the decision ultimately paid dividends as Toby Alderweireld turned into his own net in added time.
And Origi will almost certainly have a part to play from now until May.
