Pundit defends Matt O’Riley over scout’s negative comments

Since Matt O’Riley’s arrival at Celtic in January, he has certainly impressed with his play making abilities and secured his place as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic team. O’Riley has also as a result of his Celtic form, earned a place in Denmark’s U-21, where he continues to impress by snatching a second international goal earlier this week.

 Matthew O’Riley of Celtic FC controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic FC at The Marshall Jozef Pilsudski’s Municipal Stadium of Legia Warsaw on September 14, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

However, pundit Leanne Crichton revealed that she had a heated conversation regarding the Celtic midfielder’s abilities. Crichton was left in disbelief as a scout claimed that O’Riley isn’t as good as he looks. Crichton had every right to be baffled by the scouts evaluation, as Matt O’Riley has been playing at a consistent high standard and showed off his playmaking-skill, all the more impressive given that he’s still only 21 and has his best years ahead of him in the game.

Speaking to Go Radio, Crichton explained what happened. “It’s funny with Matt O’Riley because I really rate him, I think he’s a top footballer. He looks to me like he’s a top athlete from what I see. His stats must be off the scale at times.”

Matt O’Riley. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

“But I spoke to someone the other week and they were like ‘nah he’s not as good as he looks’. It was a scout and we had this debate about him and I could not believe someone had that opinion of him from what I’ve seen in Scotland he’s been brilliant, outstanding in every game he plays.

“He’s really good, calmed and composed. He’s technically very good and he gets about the pitch well and I thought that’s what’s Celtic lacked. The games he didn’t start he’s a noticeable absentee. To me there’s no surprise teams are watching him.

“I said to him (the scout), ‘listen, you’ve obviously not seen enough of him’.”

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1 Comment

  1. I agree with the Scout. Zero goals this season for Celtic. 4 last season, 1 deflection at Pittodrie, the 5th and 6th goal v StJ, and the 3rd goal v Hearts. Not exactly match winning goals. None v Sevco, or in Europe. Long way to go to match Rogic