Liverpool Prodigy Origi Reveals Rodgers Is Keeping Close Eye On His Progress

Divock Origi has revealed Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is keeping a close eye on his development while he learns his trade at Lille.

The Belgium international striker moved to Merseyside for a reported £10m ($16.6m, €12.6m) from Lille this summer after becoming one of the sensations of the World Cup.

However, after Liverpool also signed strikers Mario Balotelli and Ricky Lambert – while Fabio Borini returned from a season-long loan at Sunderland – Rodgers decided to send Origi back on loan to Lille to have more playing time.

Nevertheless, the Liverpool boss recently claimed he has big hopes for Origi's future, suggesting he will return to Liverpool next season.

"We took a player in Divock Origi who we believe will be world class and we'll get him next summer. He is a top player. He has everything - the speed, the profile and he can play now but our deal was that we couldn't bring him in now," Rodgers recently said.

Origi himself has now confirmed Rodgers is tracking his development in Ligue 1.

"Brendan Rodgers keeps in touch when he can because he is a busy man, but sometimes he sends me messages and sometimes people from Liverpool FC come and visit me in Lille so it's good to see them involved in my progress at Lille and it's nice to know," he told Liverpool's official website.

The 19-year-old talent has taken his excellent World Cup form into the Ligue 1 season, scoring three goals in seven domestic league appearances.

"Things are going well, but there is still room for improvement. I'm still working hard trying to prepare myself for the higher level so I'm feeling good and I'm hoping to continue this form."

Speaking about his future at Liverpool, Origi said: "At the moment I'm concentrating on Lille to help them get better and progress.

"I only want the best for the club and I think Liverpool is now in a new era and they have a fantastic team.

"Mario Balotelli is a great striker, they have Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling is one of the best young players in the world, so there's only positives and we don't have to worry about Liverpool."