Liverpool news: Neil Mellor explains how Jurgen Klopp's love has helped Reds striker Divock Origi

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor claims Jurgen Klopp has had a huge impact on Divock Origi's progress at Anfield. The German manager took charge at the club last October after the Reds decided to part ways with their former boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Belgium international was signed by the Northern Irishman in the summer of 2014 from Lille. He was immediately sent back on a season-long loan to his former club, but failed to impress during his loan spell with the Ligue 1 outfit.

After returning to Anfield, he continued to struggle. However, Origi has started to shine under Klopp's guidance, scoring nine of his 10 goals after his arrival. The 20-year-old scored in both legs of the Europa League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund, which helped the Merseyside club to make it to the last four of the competition.

"Another game, another impressive showing from Divock Origi. You forget how young this lad is. He's 20, and he is making a real impact at Liverpool," Mellor told the Liverpool Echo.

"A lot has been made of him bulking up, and you can see that. He doesn't get knocked off the ball, he's adjusting to life in the Premier League.

"I think the manager's impact has been huge. He's a great man manager and motivator, and Origi is a perfect example. He's flying, confidence is high, he's quick, strong, scoring goals, and he's become our main striker.

"If you have a manager that believes in you, the way Klopp does with Origi, you start to see the true potential in the player. That's what we're being treated to now."

Liverpool came from behind to score four goals in the second half to beat Dortmund 4-3 at Anfield. This saw the Premier League side progress to the semi-final after defeating Klopp's former club 5-4 on aggregate. Mellor expressed his delight after being part of the crowd at Anfield on that famous night.

"What a privilege it was to be at Anfield on Thursday night," the former Liverpool frontman explained.

"I'll be honest, I've only just recovered. And it's hard to find words to describe what unfolded in front of us. It was just amazing, wasn't it? One of those nights that will live long in the memory."

"There's a 'Never Say Die' attitude under Klopp, and as a result we've developed a real habit of scoring late goals this season. None of them, though, were as important or as memorable as the one Dejan Lovren headed in on Thursday night!"