Divock Origi can be 'solution' to Liverpool puzzle – Nuno Espirito Santo

Divock Origi can be 'solution' to Liverpool puzzle – Nuno Espirito Santo

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes Divock Origi can be a "solution" and wants the improving forward to help down his former club Liverpool this weekend.

The Belgian endured a torrid start to his season-long loan spell at the City Ground following a string of injuries, but he is starting to come good.

He has looked a threat in his last two appearances - in defeats by Aston Villa and Manchester United - and is primed to start against the Reds this weekend.

Origi made over 150 appearances for the Anfield club and scored in the Champions League final and Nuno wants to see him replicate that sort of standard.

"I still haven't decided who is going to play but I can tell you Divock is improving," Nuno said.

"He has been in and out, some small issues which has been delaying his progress. But in the first half (against Manchester United) he was amazing and for us, he is a solution because he can play right, left side and in the centre.

"So we need the best version of Divock."

Nuno does not want his side to compromise their attacking instinct to combat Liverpool.

"We need to be clinical with the chances we have and control their game, especially the offensive movements they have," Nuno added.

"They are really dangerous, they have quality so it will require a lot of effort from us. But we have to keep this idea of playing and going forward no matter which opponent we have because this is what our team needs.

"We have talent so let's reinforce the things we do well and defensively we have to be aware of the quality of the Liverpool players."

Forest will assess their squad before the game, with Ibrahim Sangare, Chris Wood and Willy Boly nearing returns.

Nuno Tavares and Ola Aina remain out.

Nuno said: "I'm not sure, we'll see, some players are in the final part of their recovery, let's see.

"Ibrahim is closer, Chris Wood is also closer, Ola and Nuno have more problems. Boly is also in the final stages of his recovery."

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