The Celtic fans have had the privilege of watching some really talented footballers at the club this season.
From Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi, there have been many brilliant performers that have helped get Celtic to the cusp of another league title.
But none more so than Matt O’Riley. The 23-year-old midfielder has had an exceptional season in the green and white hoops and has earned a glowing review from Brendan Rodgers.
Described as ‘terrific‘ by Jim Duffy, the Celtic manager was full of admiration for his Player of the Year.
Rodgers said [Celtic TV], “He has been phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that.
“But from an individual perspective his goal return, I think someone said he had scored his first goal in January of last year.
“So to look at his numbers now, it’s a huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else.
“It’s very well deserved.”
Matt O’Riley’s season so far for Celtic
As Rodgers said, O’Riley has been phenomenal. The Danish midfielder has played in all but one of Celtic’s fixtures this season.
The creative midfielder was rested in the 3-0 win over Ross County back in November but has appeared 46 times scoring 16 goals and creating 17 under Brendan Rodgers so far this season. [Transfermarkt]
And to back up Rodgers’ claim about his consistency, you only need to look at Fotmob for that. Rated an average of 7.87, the Hoops midfielder has been awarded the football stats site’s Player of the Match on no less than 12 occasions.
As an attacking force, O’Riley is exceptional. With 102 shots on goal, 38 of those have landed on target. He has also crafted 86 chances of top of his goals and assists tally for the season.
Defensively, O’Riley has also been superb. Winning 169 duels, the Denmark international has also won over 53% of all his tackles, made 204 ball recoveries, blocked 37 shots and made 19 interceptions.
O’Riley is the perfect all-round footballer and it is little wonder he is courting admiring glances from England and beyond.