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Divock Origi is sat at Liverpool's La Manga base with the man he describes as “the big brother I never had”.

His cousin Arnold Origi, who plays in goal for Norwegian outfit Lillestrom, has paid a visit to the Hotel Principe Felipe.

With both their clubs picking the same warm weather training venue in Spain, it's given them an unexpected opportunity to catch up.

Arnold, who is 12 years older, has been a pillar of support for Divock throughout his blossoming career.

It's not been plain sailing for the Reds striker this season but the Kenya international shot-stopper has no doubts about his ability to deliver for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Arnold is convinced that the 21-year-old has the potential to go on and establish himself as one of European football's top marksmen.

“I know his qualities,” he told the ECHO.

“Divock has everything you need to be a top striker – pace, power, aggression and finishing. And I'm not saying that just because we're family.

“He can also be the first defender with his pressing which is very important in a team like Liverpool.

“I see what he's capable of. He showed it in the 2014 World Cup for example. That was no fluke. You don't just go and perform at that level.

“He can be the best. The only hindrance to him becoming the best is in himself.”

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Humble and dedicated to their profession, the duo have both added to the Origi family's proud footballing tradition.

Divock's dad Mike, who earned 120 caps for Kenya, moved from his homeland to Belgium in 1992 when he signed for KV Oostende. Divock was born in Ostend three years later.

Arnold is the son of Austin Origi, Mike's older brother, who was a defender for Kenyan club Gor Mahia and captained the national team.

Their uncles Anthony and Gerald also played in the Kenya Super League.

“Our fathers passed on to us their passion for football and about what can he achieved with hard work,” Divock said.

“When I was young it was more flexible with my football so sometimes we would stay for two months in Nairobi and see my grandparents.

“I remember Arnold had posters of players all over his bedroom. He was very passionate.

“We had different paths to become a professional. I started at Genk, he started in Kenya where it's hard to get through and become a pro.

“Arnold has come a long way. Now he's had 10 years playing in Norway and is up there with the best keepers in the league.

“As a child I'd watch clips of him playing and I was like: 'wow, this guy has good reflexes'.”

Arnold said: “Divock's dad actually started off as a very good keeper in Kenya and then he became the main striker for the international team.

“I didn't get to see my dad play that much because I was so young but I got to watch my uncle play a lot for the national team.

“I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play in Europe. He was an inspiration for me – what I wanted to become.

“Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to play together. When Mike finished playing for Kenya in 2004, I was in the under-23s squad trying to get into the senior national team. We just missed each other.”

Divock was just six years old when Arnold knew that he was destined for the top.

“We were playing football outside in Kenya with me in goal and Divock shooting,” he recalled.

“He was skilful and his shot was so powerful he nearly broke the glass. His mum was shouting: 'Divock, watch the windows!'

“Even at that age I could see this kid was going to be very good.”

Divock started off in the youth ranks at Genk before signing for Lille in 2010.

Four years later Liverpool snapped him up for £10million, although under the terms of the deal he stayed in France for another season on loan.

The Belgium international has since gone on to score 18 goals for the Reds in 63 appearances. He netted in five successive matches from late November to mid-December but since the turn of the year he has only started one Premier League game.

Every step of the way he has sought advice from his cousin.

“Arnold has been there for me in many decisive moments in my career,” Divock said.

“When I went to sign my first pre-contract with Genk, he was there. When I went to visit Lille, he was there.

“When he would visit us in Belgium he would always do a lot of extra training. He showed me the way.

“He's been like the big brother I never had. He's like a football encyclopedia – he knows every team and player.

“He always wants the best for me and tries to help me as much as he can.”

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Once a Juventus fan, Arnold is now an adopted Kopite.

With the new season in Norway not getting underway until early April, he was able to enjoy an extended stay on Merseyside last December.

The undoubted highlight for the 33-year-old was being in the away end at Goodison when Sadio Mane grabbed a last-gasp winner.

“I got him a ticket and when he came back after the game he was like a young kid. He just couldn't stop talking about it,” Divock joked.

Arnold takes up the story.

“To experience that rivalry between Liverpool and Everton in the stadium for the first time was amazing,” he said.

“When Sadio scored, it was crazy. The red flares and all that smoke! What passion.

“I'd never seen anything like this. The Liverpool fans were still singing all the way down the road outside Goodison long after the game had finished.

“I also went to the games against West Ham, Middlesbrough, Man City and Sunderland.

“I love Anfield. What a privilege it is for Divock to play there. Being pitch side and feeling that atmosphere was unbelievable.

“When I'm in Norway, I always watch the Liverpool games. Even when he doesn't play, I'll watch and look out for things the other guys are doing which might help Divock.”

If Lillestrom's request for a friendly had been granted the cousins would have been playing against each other in La Manga on Saturday afternoon.

But Jurgen Klopp declined the offer in favour of just having a practice match with his squad.

Divock said: "Arnold sent me a text last week saying 'we might be playing against you in La Manga'.

"At the time I wasn't sure if we would be going away. When it was confirmed we were coming to La Manga I was already thinking about the scenario of trying to score past him!"

"Yeah, it would have been fun," Arnold said.

"It would have been the Origi derby but unfortunately it didn't happen. Maybe it will in the future."

In the meantime they'll just have to settle for more battles on the PlayStation.

"I beat him a lot on FIFA," Divock added.