Celtic star Matt O’Riley has explained how his role has changed under Brendan Rodgers.
The Danish midfielder has been one of our best performers so far this season, kicking on to a new level from his performances last season.
That form sees him currently sitting as the Premiership‘s top scorer with five goals. He was named September’s Player of the Month on Friday and earned his first proper Denmark call-up last week.
It’s been difficult to put your finger on exactly what has changed for O’Riley since the Ange Postecoglou days. He wasn’t bad at all last season, but his performances have certainly improved for Celtic since the summer.
“My role has changed a tiny bit,” he explained to The Herald ahead of this weekend’s game against Hearts.
“Defensively, I’m probably in our box more than I was last season. Offensively, I’m also in the other box more. That helps with being fitter and going box to box.
“Getting in the box has been a big one – I am just constantly trying to get there. So, my role hasn’t changed too much but I maybe have slightly more license to get forward, while also having more defensive responsibilities.
“We have the right team model to help with success on that front and at Celtic, if you get into positions, you will score goals.”
So, O’Riley feels he is being given a little more license to get around the pitch. Under Postecoglou, he was a guy who tended to drift into pockets and set up other attackers.
He’s still done that this season, as we saw for Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal against Lazio. But it seems like he is more of a box-to-box player now.
Personally, it’s not a role I would’ve seen him picking up. But his fitness and conditioning has clearly come on a lot — something he also mentioned in the quotes article.
Long may it continue for O’Riley under Rodgers. He’s become an integral part of this Celtic side.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou asked about Pep Guardiola rumour, Dermot Desmond and Celtic fans in new interview
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