Matt O'Riley

Was never a fan of his game, not even last season when he was playing well. Don't think he fits in our system. He's our only regular starter in midfield who cannot consistently press the ball. I honestly think we'd be better off without him. If I were Ange, I'd try to transform him into a deep-lying playmaker with McGregor on his left and Hatate on his right. If he can't play that role, I'd be willing to punt him for way less than £15-20m.

 

Some of the criticism he gets is bizarre. Such an important player for the way we play. He could have more goals but the assists and pressing/ winning the ball back is so important

 

That's certainly an important part of his game, but an AM needs to be doing both for us. It's why Tam was so important last season.

 

The first half he was poor but as the game progressed he improved, don’t know if he is rusty or just wants away.

 

I don't think he had a bad game but he badly needs a goal now...

 

He threaded through some fine passes yesterday, great vision but too much weight on them.

 

He is the top assister in the league just now with 8, 2 clear of anyone else, he's not had the goals this season but he's been crucial

 

Needs a confidence boost.

 

Did'nt know that, guess that stat alone if good reason to justify his selection. He does need to start scoring, that chance he had early doors yesterday was a simple finish, just needed to pass the ball into the net.

 

He’s a lovely player to watch when he is on it. A fantastic touch and great vision for a young chap plucked only one year ago from the blood and thunder of the English lower leagues.

I wish he would put his laces through his shots on goal though. Rogic placed a lot of his goals with power behind the shot. Matt needs to do the same.

 

I like him, but personally feel his form has fell off a cliff.

People compared him to Rogic, thinking he'd take over him, but tbh Tam has more ability in his big toe than Matt has.

The more I see him of recent times his control is absolute atrocious in many instances and whilst there is a decent shot that might come up once in a while his shooting is horrendously poor, one of the weakest power in shots I've ever saw (ain't ever going to deliver Rogic type goals).

Does work though, although he's on the slow side and starting to use his height better.

Did think he improved as the game had went on after a * poor start. Don't think he should be used upfield as doesn't offer better than Cal and certainly Reo.

But tbf he's very young and raw.

 

Age is on his side, but he also needs good coaches to blossom.

 

8 assists in 18 matches, mate. His form hasn't falled off a cliff, quite the contrary actually. Very impressive numbers from a young, talented guy. Comparing Tam and Matt is like comparing apples and pears.

 

Half of those assists came from just two back to back matches way back in August/September against Dundee Utd and Rangers which we won more than comfortably. He's a talent, but this season he hasn't been on it consistently enough and he hasn't been the difference maker in any tight games. He was the player who was effectively brought in to teplace Tam in the starting XI so comparisons are inevitable if unfair.

 

Aye thought his pressing in the 2nd half was pretty good aswell. Be interesting to see if his spell in 6 has developed his game a bit in that area given he had to play there in champs league aswell against good players.

Just lacking goals imo.

 

Completely agree. His form hasn't catched the eye but he's still runned through brick walls for us. Every game, he has fighted to keep the jersey.

 

the criticism any of the players are getting at present is bizzare ,some of the stuff in the kyogo thread and this had me wondering if we are still 9 pts clear winning all our games but 1 domestically. o'riley has been brilliant so far and a huge reason we didnt miss the capitan when he was out

 

Decent shift, lots of hard work, keeps it ticking over, closing down etc, sort of the unglamorous stuff.
But again, missed a sitter, should have buried it.
Missing too many sitters, so reckon he will break his duck on the 2nd.

 

He’s always put in a really good performance against the Huns. Think his second game for us was against them and he was brilliant. Also thought he turned that Lundstrum inside out in the first derby of this season as well.

But based on current form, he could be the one who makes way for Mooy.