Matias Orozco Makes Senior International Debut for Colombia
Matias Orozco came on as a 71st minute substitute for Colombia in a 1-1 friendly draw against Mexico in Baltimore, making his senior international debut at just 18. News of the Matias Orozco Colombia debut spread quickly among Brighton supporters, given the midfielder only joined the club over the summer.
Orozco signed for Brighton during the summer transfer window but moved straight out on loan to Spanish second tier side Castellon, meaning he is yet to appear for the Albion’s first team. His form in Spain earned him a first senior call up, and he made an instant impact off the bench in Baltimore.
Orozco on ‘Happiest Moment’ and Self-Criticism in Baltimore
Orozco spoke about the occasion in comments reported by The Argus, describing what it meant to earn his first cap.
“I feel like I have been doing things well and that was reflected in this call-up. I am alongside great, marvellous players and taking off the tracksuit jacket and putting on the shirt today was one of the most beautiful moments of my career, the short career I have had. For the moment, it’s one of the happiest moments of my life. Hopefully I have a lot of moments like this and keep sharing them with great players and learning a lot.”
He was just as honest about where his game fell short, even on such a big night.
“I need to be a little more pro-active in asking for the ball. The opponent didn’t allow it that much either, but taking more control of the ball is what characterises me and my style. I always like to dictate the flow of the game. That’s my self-criticism for today.”
Castellon Loan Form and Impact on Fabian Hurzeler’s Squad Plans
Since the Matias Orozco Colombia debut, attention has turned back to his loan spell, where he has settled quickly. He scored in Castellon’s 5-0 win over Tenerife this month. The result showed why Fabian Hurzeler was happy to send the teenager out for regular first team football rather than ease him in gradually at Brighton.
Brighton’s own preparations for the new season carried on without him. While the first team did their pre-season work in Vienna and played a pre-season fixture at the Amex, Orozco was already settling into life at Castellon. That showed how quickly Hurzeler and the recruitment team wanted him settled into senior football away from Sussex.
Return to Spain Ahead of Castellon’s Promotion Push
Castellon continued their fine form without him, winning 2-0 away at Leganes on Monday to stay top of the Spanish second division.
Orozco was absent alongside fellow Brighton loanee Rodrigo Rego, who was an unused substitute as Portugal’s under 21 side lost 2-1 to Bulgaria over the same international break.
Orozco is expected to link back up with his Castellon teammates once international duty finishes, with the club firmly focused on pushing for promotion this season.
