Celtic v Atletico Madrid – Matt O Riley crosses the ball during the UEFA Champions League match at Celtic Park, on Wednesday October 25, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
The Danish International has been the standout player for the Celts so far this season. At just 22-years-old, the midfielder displays a maturity in his play well beyond his years and has become one of the most important figures in Rodgers’ lineup.
He demonstrated his versatility and his ability to perform under pressure last season, stepping into the fold in the absence of Celtic’s talisman Callum McGregor, but this season his performance has gone up to another level. A regular criticism he faced last term was his output in front of goal but in 2023/24 there has been no such concern.
Celtic v Atletico Madrid Champions League 25/10/2023. Matt O Riley of Celtic FC during the Champions League match between Celtic and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland on 25 October 2023. Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-18278-0174
O’Riley is the league’s and Celtic’s top goalscorer alongside Japanese International Kyogo Furuhashi and he also leads the way in assists with three. He has contributed to nearly half of Celtic’s 19 goals in the league thus far and holds the distinction of having created the most chances as well as notching up the most shots.
He poses an attacking threat from anywhere on the pitch and is fast-becoming a vital cog of the Bhoys’ midfield. The performances will take care of themselves, Rodgers’ main task from this point should be keeping him fit and healthy for as long as physically possible at all costs.
