Jurgen Klopp: "Divock Origi is a legend on and off the pitch"

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has labelled Divock Origi "a legend on and off the pitch" following his insurance goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton.

The Reds struggled to break down a stubborn Everton backline in the first 45, but Andy Robertson headed home to undo the Toffees' resistance in the second half of the contest.

Origi was introduced on the hour mark for Naby Keita, and the Belgian attacker added to his collection of late goals for Liverpool with an 85th-minute header to seal the victory.

"He is a legend on and off the pitch. He is a fantastic footballer, a world-class striker and is our best finisher, always was," Klopp told reporters in his post-match press conference.

"I have to make really hard decisions as the boys all want to contribute. Everybody loves Div and rightly so. He was again very decisive."

Origi's third Premier League goal of the season took him up to 41 strikes in 173 appearances for Liverpool, but he is primed to leave upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.

The Reds have now cut the gap to Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table down to one point ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg with Villarreal.