Lille midfielder Florent Balmont feels Liverpool-bound striker Divock Origi has struggled to handle the pressure this season, which has resulted in a below-par campaign for the Belgian.

Liverpool snapped up the Belgian international immediately after the World Cup last summer and he was loaned back to Lille for the rest of the season as per an agreement with the French side.




The Reds tried to take the young striker to Anfield earlier than agreed in January, but Lille refused to budge and Origi stayed put.

The Belgian burst on to the scene last season at Lille with six goals in all competitions, but most of his 35 appearances came from the bench and he mostly played on the flanks.
 


Origi has become a regular starter this season and taken up the main centre forward’s role, but a return of only seven goals this term is pointing towards a drop in performances.

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Lille midfielder Balmont feels the 19-year-old has failed to handle the pressure of being the main man up front and indicated that it was too early to make him the focal point of the attack.

Expanding on his point, Balmont told RMC: “It is complicated. Last year he performed well, but he was a wild card.

“Overnight, he was made the focal point of the attack. It is difficult and after his transfer to Liverpool, he has struggled.

“He has allowed himself to take too much pressure and it has been difficult for him at times [this season].”

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