Marc Wilmots Relieved Divock Origi Left Liverpool on Loan for First-Team Football

Belgium national team manager Marc WiImots admits he initially feared for Divock Origi's development when he signed for Liverpool.

The Reds sealed a deal for the 19-year-old forward following his impressive World Cup campaign but agreed to loan him back to former club Lille for the 2014/15 campaign.

And Wilmots revealed the youngster's temporary move to France came as a relief to him amid concerns Origi's progress would stagnate if he was sat on the substitutes' bench at Anfield.

"I was afraid that at a big club he would not play as much. There at Lille he may develop quietly," Wilmots told L'Equipe.

"When he came into the national team, no one knew him. But I had great feedback on his mentality and his determination for someone of 19 years old, when he moved up front.

"For him, the World Cup changed his situation. But I intend to keep his feet on the ground."

Origi, one of 10 signings made by Brendan Rodgers during the summer transfer window, provided further glimpses of his burgeoning potential on Sunday 14 September as he inspired Lille to victory over Nantes.

The £10m forward headed home from close range to give his side a 1-0 lead early in the second half and minutes later turned provider, teeing up Manchester City youngster Marcos Lopes to add a second.

Liverpool added Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert to their attacking options in the summer but manager Brendan Rodgers will be keeping a close eye on Origi, who he has backed to become one of Europe's brightest talents.

"He has everything to be world class," the Northern Irishman said following Origi's arrival in the summer. "He's super fast, has a wonderful touch, he's a good size and is aggressive.

"I've seen enough of him over the course of the last couple of seasons to think this is a kid who, coming into the right environment, can genuinely be world class. He can light up world football, for sure."