Kris Boyd has cast doubt on Benjamin Nygren being tipped for a big-money move to the English Premier League, using former Celtic hero Matt O’Riley as the ultimate cautionary tale.
Speaking on Nygren’s English top-flight credentials, Boyd made his feelings clear, and Chris Sutton had previously echoed those same thoughts.
“I don’t think he is of Premier League standard,” said Boyd. “His numbers are exceptional. When you look at Matt O’Riley, whose numbers were exceptional as well and contributed more to the game… I know he got a bad injury when he went down.”
Nygren remains a heavily divisive figure at Celtic Park this season.
Despite netting an impressive 19 goals in all competitions, the Sweden star’s lack of general involvement in matches constantly leaves fans and pundits wanting more.
He is the polar opposite of O’Riley, who elegantly danced with the ball during his time in Glasgow before securing a big-money move to Brighton and Hove Albion.
But life after Celtic hasn’t panned out how O’Riley would have liked.
Does Nygren have the qualities to play in the Premier League?
Chris Sutton doesn't think so!
Kris Boyd thinks Matt O’Riley is proof that Benjamin Nygren isn’t Premier League quality
Injuries have played a part in derailing O’Riley’s early momentum. He was injured nine minutes into his Brighton debut last season, and that kept him out for months.
O’Riley would return and score a dramatic winning goal against Manchester City, providing a rare, euphoric high; it remains his only real standout moment.
After a brief loan spell at Marseille, joining the Champions League club in the summer, the Danish midfielder returned abruptly to the Amex in January and now cannot even make Brighton’s matchday squad.
It raises a glaring question for prospective buyers of Celtic’s current top-scorer this season, Nygren: If O’Riley, a significantly superior technician, is struggling so profoundly in the hard-hitting Premier League, does Nygren genuinely stand a chance if that £20 million move materialises?
As Boyd raised a valid point on The Warm-Up.
“I don’t think he is (Nygren of Premier League standard),” said Boyd. “His numbers are exceptional.
“When you look at Matt O’Riley, whose numbers were exceptional as well and contributed more to the game. I know he got a bad injury when he went down.
“But he didn’t exactly go down and found himself out on loan. He is back now.”
O’Riley’s numbers in the Premier League since leaving Celtic
While Celtic fans would jump at the chance to bring O’Riley home, a romantic return is highly unlikely as he fights tooth and nail to salvage his Premier League career.
Hopefully, he can do that because he is a joy to watch when at his best.
Nonetheless, this is O’Riley’s Brighton career so far on paper:
- Games: 27
- Starts: 14
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 3
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