James McFadden says 23-year-old is now ‘Celtic’s best player’ after win over Hibernian

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What a season Matt O’Riley is having for Celtic as he continues to reach new heights by the week.

There aren’t many things he can’t do. From his link-up play with Kyogo Furuhashi in the Champions League, his stunning long-range goals, or his darting runs and immaculate headers like he is John Hartson in his prime.

Celtic’s midfield star can do everything and fans will be pretty pleased that the club did very well to pen him down to a new deal recently.

Following the 4-1 win over Hibernian on Wednesday night, James McFadden spoke in glowing terms about Matt O’Riley and how he is his side’s ‘best player’, as he told Sportscene Premiership Highlights. 

And he isn’t wrong! It seems as though every goal Brendan Rodgers’ side score, he is involved in some capacity.

From 15 Premiership games this season, the 23-year-old has eight goals and five assists to his name – only failing to register a goal involvement in four matches this term, which is remarkable!

Is Matt O’Riley’s Celtic’s best player?

“Last season coming into this season, that was the target for Matt O’Riley, could he get more goals,” said McFadden.

“He is finding himself in brilliant positions. His timing of his runs is excellent – it looks simple (header v Hibs). But he has to time that run. He has to make sure he doesn’t get too excited and gets a connection with his head.

“He has probably been Celtic’s best player this season.”

Brendan Rodgers and Matt O’Riley

From Steven Gerrard to James Maddison. Celtic’s man in the dugout has worked with some top, top midfield players during his time in management.

So, he understands how to work with them, develop them and take their game to even higher heights.

And he is doing just that with O’Riley because he is now more involved, mature and technically efficient under Rodgers.

Whilst the Denmark international deserves credit for that progression, Rodgers also deserves his flowers for improving him because, as of this moment, there are no signs of stopping.