Celtic’s Matt O’Riley has been included in this week’s cinch SPFL Team of the Week. The Danish international has been in the midst of a real renaissance of late under Brendan Rodgers has he has adapted his game and taken it to yet another level. The talent was there for all to see but the way in which he has improved his goalscoring and assists since the start of the new season has been phenomenal.
There’s a major player in Matty that was just waiting to burst out under the right circumstances and his new boss has certainly lit the flame for the young midfielder. Having dropped off a bit under Ange Postecoglou last season he has certainly came to the fore with a bang and is the best player in the country right now by a mile, it has to be said. His exploits have been crucial to Celtic being seven points clear of the Scottish Premiership before Halloween and there’s more to come judging by Sunday’s display in Edinburgh.
Hearts couldn’t lay a glove on him on Sunday afternoon and even the staunch Kris Boyd admitted through a grimace. His movement and finish for the chipped ball that Honduran teammate, Luis Palma put into his path was simply breathtaking. It’s the type of football that Celtic supporters crave and dream about. Having witnessed some top midfielders over the years in the Hoops, it’s not too much to say Matt O’Riley could be a modern great if he stays around.
The media and ex-Ibrox players are desperate to get him sold from the Scottish Premiership Champions, just as they are with all our key assets. But as is always the score, Celtic dictates when players come and go and we will only do that if and when the time is right with Matt. We’re taking top-dollar if he does go at some point but in the meantime, we need to sit back and watch the former MK Dons man strut his stuff as the rest of Scottish football looks on in envious rage.
Well done, Matt!
🌟 @dundeeunitedfc‘s Kevin Holt has been named as Star Man in the SPFL #TOTW!
Read more 👉 https://t.co/tvTBS3HOrC#cinchSPFL | @cinchuk pic.twitter.com/B7eR2QPS0l
— SPFL (@spfl) October 24, 2023
💚 Once again, Matt O’Riley has been named in the @spfl @cinchuk #TOTW! 👏#CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/liFuuKzDuj pic.twitter.com/4JCVZjt0k7
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 24, 2023
🍀 9 #CelticFC appearances
⚽ 6 goals
🅰 3 assists
🏅 September’s Premiership POTMWhat a start to the #cinchPrem season for @mattoriley8! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/15anwmTU3U
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 23, 2023
Paul Gillespie
