Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is relentless. In the way he performs, in the way he strives for personal improvement and in the way he relishes punishing opposition teams.
That’s never been more apparent than after the Danish international prospect’s comments in the wake of Celtic destroying Aberdeen 6-0 on Sunday.
O’Riley bagged himself two assists on the day against the Dons, taking that tally to seven for the season. Scoring six goals himself, he’s been an absolute standout in domestic and European competition this term.
He’s performing so well that transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano recently said he’s now valued at over £25m in the transfer market. Meanwhile, Chris Sutton has labelled him the best player in Scotland.
Matt O’Riley predicted late Celtic goal deluge vs Aberdeen
Part of what is so great about O’Riley is his ability to perform from the first whistle to the last. He starts games at an electric pace and he can contribute right to the end of matches.
In fact, he’s so motivated all the time that, even with Celtic 3-0 up and cruising as the clock ticked 90 minutes against Aberdeen, he told James Forrest that the Bhoys would be pushing for more goals in an extended 10-minute period of stoppage time.
The midfielder said post-match [Daily Record, 14/11 print edition]: “Having that strength in depth to come on and really push the fitness levels, it is hard for teams to live with. I said to James as soon as I saw the stoppage time board ‘we have 10 minutes here, we are going to get more chances’. And we did.
“We tire teams out. And when you are 3-0 down at Celtic Park and you have been running for 90 minutes and haven’t had much of the ball, naturally you are going to be tired. The spaces do open up and we had boys coming off the bench for the last half hour ready to fire. James Forrest, and then David Turnbull comes on and scores.”
After Turnbull’s latest strike from outside of the box, Aberdeen capitulated further and Hyeongyu Oh capitalised with great effect to score his second and third goals of the season.
O’Riley’s ruthless message to Forrest typifies what this Celtic side are all about when they are feeling confident and in the mood. They don’t settle, they’re always pushing for more.
Everyone is hoping that it’s just the start of what we could see from the team during Brendan Rodgers’ second spell in charge.
In other news, Michael Stewart delivers verdict on tricky Celtic situation now facing David Turnbull.
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