Matt O’Riley has described what he thinks his role is within the Celtic squad under Ange Postecoglou….
O’Riley has been out on international duty for the past week, playing excellently for the Danish U-21 team. However, O’Riley has been showing his true colours in a Celtic jersey. The midfielder has slotted into Ange’s side with ease and has been playing very comfortably in his role in the midfield. O’Riley has opened up on the dressing room culture within the squad and made clear who is firmly leading this Celtic side. As reported by the Daily Record, O’Riley said…
“I’m not quiet, I’m not the loudest. I’m quite level-headed around the place. I’ll speak when I need to speak if I need to say something in the changing room. I try to lead by the way I play, essentially. I try to take responsibility like taking the ball in a difficult situation, I’m happy to do that.”
“We have great leaders who are quite vocal. Cal (Callum McGregor), for example. Joe (Hart) has an abundance of experience. These guys have massive voices, so although it’s not wrong, I don’t think it is necessarily right for me to be the main guy there when you have the likes of Cal. I’m happy with my role in the team. I just try to be as nice to as many people as I possibly can. So if someone is not having a good time, I try to make them feel better. I feel that’s my role.”
It seems sensible for the relatively young star to listen to the experienced players as he develops in his career, it is simply the best way to learn. Matt O’Riley comes across as very sensible and empathetic to his squad as he seeks to keep everyone content. A team that is strongly bonded together will certainly play better than one that is not, and O’Riley is perfect for that role in the squad. There is no doubt that Matt O’Riley was a successful signing for Ange Postecoglou.
🇩🇰 | 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩 𝙊'𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮
Denmark take the lead vs Croatia yesterday in their crucial Euro U21 playoff fixture via Celtic's Matt O'Riley 🍀pic.twitter.com/0UYXmIPvwL
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) September 28, 2022