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Origi snipes Lukaku in frustration over Liverpool minutes

Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic

Divock Origi is disappointed with the lack of playing time at Liverpool this season, and in expressing his frustrations, has slighted Belgium teammate Romelu Lukaku.

Origi, 21, has made just seven Premier League starts this season after making the same number the prior campaign, with five of those coming on the bounce when the Reds were without Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge in early December.

"It's very frustrating not to often have had the chance to show what I can do," Origi said, courtesy of Ian Holyman of ESPN FC.

"But I believe in myself and I know very well I have the qualities even if they aren't immediately apparent to the coach, whose decisions I respect."

Origi adds that the lack of fixtures this season has played a role.

After appearing in a dozen Europa League matches in his debut season with the club, the lack of continental football this year has limited his value.

"Today, we just have the Premier League," Origi said Thursday while in training with the Belgian national team. "But I'll draw conclusions at the end of the season.

"For the moment, I'm focused on Liverpool. I try to show my qualities when the coach puts me in. I think I've done that well up to now."

Understandably, the former Lille standout is nonplussed by the situation, though in expressing his dissatisfaction, Origi snubbed fellow Red Devils forward and Merseyside neighbour Lukaku.

"If I play so little it's also because I'm at a big club where it's more difficult to get into the starting lineup than it is at Everton."

Should Lukaku fancy confronting Origi, he'll have plenty of opportunity during Belgium training ahead of Saturday's visit from Greece, and if not, the Toffees visit Anfield on April 1 for what should be a heated Merseyside derby.

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