‘He has become very valuable’: Stiliyan Petrov impressed by transformation of one Celtic star

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Stiliyan Petrov says Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is becoming ‘very valuable’ to the team after he scored yet again on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers, ahead of a big week in the Champions League, watched his Celtic players ease to a 4-1 win against Hearts at Tynecastle – Kris Boyd had some interesting comments about the home fans after the game.

Matt O’Riley opened the scoring after his darting run from across Hearts’ penalty area was found by Luis Palma and he did ever so well to put the ball into the back of the net at the first-time of asking.

Legendary midfielder Stiliyan Petrov spoke about previously being in Matt O’Riley’s shoes and how he can sense the player is ‘maturing’, as he told Sky Sports Football (22/10/23 at 4:20 pm). 

There is a sense that the 22-year-old is taking his game up a level this season and becoming an even more important player for the team – Gustaf Lagerbielke was sure to sing O’Riley’s praises after the win at Hearts.

And Petrov joined in the praise for Matt O’Riley and the specific parts of his game that he is seeing a change in. 

Petrov on O’Riley

“He has become very valuable for Celtic,” said Petrov. “I have been in his shoes. I know how important it is for a midfielder to chip in, not just with assists, but with goals.

“But his overall display and game against Hearts, in the last couple of months and last season, he is maturing. He sees the game differently. He plays the ball quicker. He times his runs into the box. And this is what makes you stand out from other midfielders. You become more important in the game. 

“When you do that, teams become aware of your quality and capability.”

O’Riley will get better

This is a credit to the player and his hard work over the summer, which was alluded to by his captain, Callum McGregor.

After the win over Hearts, the Celtic skipper shared how O’Riley came back from pre-season in ‘incredible’ shape.

Even after winning the Treble, it clearly wasn’t enough for the playmaker as he felt there were more levels to hit, and he isn’t wrong.

One is trying to earn those Denmark caps ahead of Euro 2024, as well as trying to produce the goods in the Champions League.