During the international break, when the Belgian press want analysis about their national team, one of the men they often turn to is Philippe Albert.
The former Newcastle and Fulham defender often analyses how Premier League players do, and this week was no different as Belgium faced off against San Marino and Scotland, winning both games 4-0.
One of those who featured in the first game but not the second was Liverpool’s Divock Origi, who played 55 minutes against the European minnows without scoring or creating a goal, which Albert picked up on.
In fact, he blamed the forward’s situation at Anfield for the rather tepid outing.
He told RTBF: “Of course, a guy like Origi, for example, needs game time at Liverpool. What he showed against San Marino was insufficient. Game time is the heart of the matter. Some understood it by returning to Belgium.
“In January, everything will need to be analysed with a cool head in order to make the right decision. Otherwise, there are a few who will see the Euros slip away from right under their nose”.
There’s no denying the former international was heavily implying Origi fell into that category, and despite the 24-year-old signing a new contract at Anfield in the summer, he has only played 16 minutes of Premier League football since September 9th, where he covered for Sadio Mané against Norwich.
If that trend continues, and there’s no reason why it wouldn’t with all three starters fit, then that January loan move could be vital in helping him secure a spot in Roberto Martinez’s squad next summer.
