ALVISE CAGNAZZO: Divock Origi was signed to succeed Olivier Giroud at AC Milan but has failed to deliver… time is running out for the former Liverpool forward, with the Italian giants ALREADY considering moving him on
- AC Milan signed Divock Origi on a free transfer after he left Liverpool
- He was expected to be the man to take over from Olivier Giroud up front
- Instead Origi has been a major disappointment, scoring just one goal
- Time is running out for the 27-year-old to prove his worth to the club
- Some of the club’s hierarchy are already considering trying to offload him
Divock Origi was supposed to be AC Milan’s response to Inter Milan’s purchase of Romelu Lukaku.
But the former Liverpool star is experiencing a very delicate moment in his career, and at the age of 27 he has already started to experience a technical and tactical regression in Serie A. Having looked a promising signing, he has not been able to make any impact in the opening months of the season.
Origi has struggled to cope with the aggressive style of defending in Serie A, and has looked ineffective when playing with his back to goal.
Divock Origi has struggled badly since joining AC Milan on a free transfer in the summer
His technical qualities are mediocre and the lack of space available has accentuated his problems, forcing him to make many mistakes underlined by the whistles from the San Siro crowd.
To date, he has played just 500 minutes this season, and found the net just once: a poor return that does not justify his hefty salary.
Stefano Pioli wanted to rotate Origi with Olivier Giroud, or play the pair together, but neither idea has worked.
Origi has been a major disappointment, and looks unsuitable for Italian football. His continuous physical problems have hindered him as well, leaving him unable to find top form.
ORIGI MORE LIKE TORRES THAN GIROUD
Origi was supposed to be Giroud’s heir but is currently playing like the reincarnation of the transfer flop Fernando Torres. The Spaniard moved to Milan on loan in 2014, but managed just one goal in 10 appearances.
Origi is not running in behind enough, scores very little and seems too clumsy to thrive in Milan’s technical side.
Without Giroud, Milan are struggling to score or play well, and with Origi it feels like they are playing with 10 men at times.
Origi has not been able to show that he can be Milan’s next main man after Olivier Giroud
Giroud remains Milan’s first-choice striker, with Origi behind him in the pecking order
Origi’s problems risk continuing into 2023, and these could be his final months in Italy.
The Belgian international was in his comfort zone at Liverpool, but has been unable to adapt since leaving Anfield to join the Rossoneri.
Pioli appreciates Origi’s qualities, but can’t wait much longer for him to come good, with Milan currently eight points behind leaders Napoli in the Serie A title race.
MILAN ALREADY THINKING ABOUT SELLING ORIGI
Milan’s penultimate game before the league paused for the World Cup against Serie A minnows Cremonese confirmed all of Origi’s limitations.
Origi in Cremona looked like a player on vacation, and missed a hatful of chances in the goalless draw.
Origi undoubtedly failed to live up to the expectations of the fans and the club in the first part of the season, and with Ante Rebic returning to full fitness, his chances of getting more game time do not appear promising.
After running down his contract at Liverpool, where he had moved to the bottom of Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order in recent seasons, Origi has not kicked on in Italy.
Stefano Pioli wants to give Origi time, but Milan are already thinking about selling him
He signed an agreement with Milan in the summer until 2026 with an eye-catching salary of around €3.5m (£3.1m) net a year, which has proved to be a big error of judgment on the part of the club.
It may not be too long before Milan start making drastic decisions to balance their books.
Origi has not convinced anyone in Milan and only Pioli seems to be willing to give him another six months to demonstrate his talent and show that he does have a long-term future at the club.
