Matt O'Riley

He's showing a rather decent defensive side to his game. Loves an interception this boy...

 

Think he's just as good in the 6 as he is further up. His timing going into challenges is usually impeccable. Complete midfielder who is going to the top.

 

His stats were always good defensively..

Might just be me but he looks quite moody at time's and * off. Noticed it a few time's now, especially when coming off..

 

As others have said, looks very comfortable playing in that deeper role.

Which is a relief considering McGregor's injury and Abildgaard not being ready seemingly.

 

I really like him in the 6 role, one sloppy pass today aside he was very good.

Could be maybe McGregor's injury was a blessing in disguise, as I think he'll play further forward now with O'Riley in the 6.

 

He always looks like that tbf

Even when he's being interviewed he gives off that moody mysterious vibe.

 

Think 6 is his position. He’s much better deeper while Hatate and Mooy are much more effective getting forward.

 

He must be fighting off the women man. Frighteningly good looking, great footballer, mysterious, intelligent..

Gotta be * in the sack or something though, big stiff meister.

 

His assist count so far this season suggests otherwise. Can't see Ange wanting to permanently move an AM who has notched up 5 assists in the league so far this season (to Haksabanovic and Hatates 1 each)

 

Or you could look at it from another perspective, 10-1 since he’s been switched in there domestically.

 

Not because we are creating more chances from there, but because we have started taking our chances further up the field. Domestically before the enforced break for Lizzie we were on a run 28-2 in just 6 games with Cal at 6 and Matt at 8 with Matt getting 5 assists, more than any other AM midfielder so far this season. He is doing a good job filling in for Cal, helped by our front players getting their finishings sorted. But he is far too important and creative further up the field to be staying there long term. Especially when Cal is so effective there.

 

What a pler

 

Ah ok, you and I are talking 2 different things here. I’m saying he’s best in the 6 with the current available midfielders. Once Cal is back, back to the 8 for him.

 

Get you now, absolutely he has saved our bacon these past couple of weeks.

 

I love it when we argue about just how good some players are in different positions, because they’re * hot no matter where they’re trusted to be put in.

The last one that was a proper debate (and still is sometimes) was McGregor himself, so many times in his Celtic career I’ve heard ‘he’s finally found his best position’, CM, DM, LW, AM it’s been said at, at different times

 

Matt did say when at MKDons that he didn't really enjoy the deeper role but if asked to do it for the team he would. Stepped up for us too now.

 

He’s got the maturity and football brain to play in the 6, which is why they utilised him there at MK Dons in lieu of the other midfielders. Twine was just all out attack and Kasamu(?) who was the 6 was very injury prone.

 

Doing a great job covering for McGregor. Don’t think we are worse off with him in there, just missed some of his creative spark when he’s played further forward but others have stepped up and covered him well too (Mooy) Would be interesting to see him play there and McGregor ahead of him with Hatate for a game or two.

Mental that this guy is so young and such an important part of the operation already. Coming from League One too for £1.5m after us missing out on McGreedy.

 

Feel like Callum will be rairing to go wherever he is asked to play when he comes back, he's badly needed a good rest for a while now. But I do think we are at our strongest with Cal at 6 and Matt and Reo at 8. We are playing well atm but would love us to get back to our pre Lizzie croaking it form in time for Ibrox. Hold that lot to the fire.

 

Very poor today. No at his best lately..