What a season Matt O’Riley is having for Celtic as he continues to reach new heights by the week.
There aren’t many things he can’t do. From his link-up play with Kyogo Furuhashi in the Champions League, his stunning long-range goals, or his darting runs and immaculate headers like he is John Hartson in his prime.
The midfield hero for Celtic is a multitasker, so supporters should be happy that the team did a great job locking him down to a new contract recently.
James McFadden extolled Matt O’Riley as his team’s “best player” after Wednesday night’s 4-1 victory over Hibernian, speaking to Sportscene Premiership Highlights.
He’s not incorrect, either! Brendan Rodgers appears to be engaged in some way in every goal his team scores.
The 23-year-old has eight goals and five assists in 15 Premiership games this season; he has only failed to register a goal involvement in four games, which is impressive!
Is the best player for the Celtics Matt O’Riley?
“Matt O’Riley’s goal heading into this season was to see if he could score more goals,” McFadden stated.
“He’s putting himself in really good situations. His runs are timed perfectly; they appear straightforward (header vs. Hibs). He must timing that run, though. He needs to control his excitement and establish a mental connection.
“He has probably been Celtic’s best player this season.”
Brendan Rodgers and Matt O’Riley
From Steven Gerrard to James Maddison. Celtic’s man in the dugout has worked with some top, top midfield players during his time in management.
So, he understands how to work with them, develop them and take their game to even higher heights.
And he is doing just that with O’Riley because he is now more involved, mature and technically efficient under Rodgers.
Whilst the Denmark international deserves credit for that progression, Rodgers also deserves his flowers for improving him because, as of this moment, there are no signs of stopping.