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Divock Origi is looking forward to the challenge of fighting for a place among Liverpool’s striking contingent this season - and revealed he’s already fallen in love with the Reds.

The 21-year-old Belgian joined up with Jurgen Klopp and his squad in California yesterday as the team continue their pre-season preparations in the US.

Origi and fellow Belgians Christian Benteke and Simon Mignolet have now arrived after their summer at Euro 2016 with the national team and the pacy forward has no fears about the competition for places at Anfield.

“We are at a big club and that is one of the challenges of being at a big club – that is what pushes you to go higher,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“We have to push each other and support each other so we can achieve that.

“It’s the reason I came to Liverpool, to have challenges. We all have qualities but we have to unite together and show we can do great things together. It’s a good squad and we have to work.”

Pre-season can involve some of the hardest parts of the year as players get their bodies ready physically for the challenges ahead. Origi though is ready for some hard work.

“Pre-season is always tough, but it is nice because you know that this is your base for the season. You want to work hard to be ready for the season.”

It was on Liverpool’s last tour of America - again after a major international tournament in the form of Brazil 2014 - that Origi arrived to complete his £10m signing from Lille, before being loaned back to the French club for the next 12 months.

His first 12 months at Anfield offered signs of rich potential, particularly latterly before his season was effectively brought to a premature end by a red-card challenge from Everton’s Ramniro Funes Mori in the Merseyside Derby.

He fought back to play the final 20 minutes of the Europa League final against Sevilla in Basel but he will be hoping to continue where he left off when the season starts.

“After the World Cup, I got the chance at 19 years of age to play at a high level and sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“Before you come here, you don’t really know what it means but afterwards, I fell in love with the club.

“I think I’ve progressed a lot and I know there’ll be ups and downs this season because I am still young, but I am ready to progress and help the team.”

Origi will fight with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings for a starting spot in Jurgen Klopp’s team but he’s just happy to be part of the Liverpool “family” once again.

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“The first day has been good. I met up with the players, met the new lads, and I can see that everyone is smiling despite the high intensity of the sessions and that’s a good thing.

“I am excited to catch up with the guys. I’ve met the new lads and they’re all good guys. I can tell they’re all happy to be here. It’s our job to make them feel at home because Liverpool is a family.”

Watch ALL pre-season games LIVE on LFCTV & LFCTV GO visit www.liverpoolfc.com/watch