Many Celtic fans saw the quality of Matt O’Riley last season as he played an important role in Ange Postecoglou delivering the Treble.
But it’s fair to say, following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, his form has gone through the roof and this is the best football he has played in his career so far.
That’s why Premier League teams are keen on Matt O’Riley. On one hand, it’s great because it proves the level of player Celtic have.
But, on the other, it’s just going to invite the obvious of the playmaker probably heading for the exit door sooner rather than later.
Matt O’Riley was asked what has changed from the previous campaign to the current one and he stated that it’s purely ‘mental’, as he told Viaplay Sports.
The 23-year-old is the best player, not just at Celtic right now, but Scotland as a whole and a key reason as to why the Bhoys are top of the Premiership.
For Matt O’Riley, it’s ‘pretty random’ what has changed for him off the field of play, but it’s working.
Matt O’Riley’s change
“It’s something mental, if I am being honest,” said O’Riley. “I do a lot of work off the pitch in terms of I brought like a coach who I speak to in India quite a lot.
“Pretty random. But it works for me. I do that regularly and keep my mind in a good space. I think when your mind is in a good space then naturally it just floats.”
Matt O’Riley’s importance to Celtic
Look, talk of O’Riley’s future isn’t going to change anytime soon, if anything, it’s going to increase ahead of the summer transfer window.
The great thing is that he recently signed a new contract, so on that front, the club don’t need to panic or make any rash calls.
But if Celtic want to progress in Europe and take that next step, then they need O’Riley on board and showcasing his magic in the final third.
It was a Champions League campaign to forget for the Hoops, but what did come good of it all involved O’Riley, including his assist for Gustaf Lagerbielke’s winner against Feyenoord.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
