Celtic’s performance against Hearts is one that will continue to dominate the headlines this week. Well, at least until the Atletico Madrid game kicks off on Wednesday night at least.
Brendan Rodgers’ side has been receiving plenty of plaudits for their performance against the Tynecastle side and now, former Hearts manager, Craig Levein, has described how Matt O’Riley gave Hearts midfielder, Calem Nieuwenhof, an absolutely torrid time on Sunday afternoon.
Levein said [BBC Sportsound], “He’s [Calem Nieuwenhof] had a terrible first half. He really has.
“And Matt O’Riley ran off him for the first goal. He’s also run off him another twice but the ball didn’t arrive to O’Riley.
“And then he’s given the ball away for the second goal and he’s given the ball away on numerous occasions.
“He just looks like he’s really lacking confidence and that’s very difficult when you get in the the engine room of the team.”
The Celtic midfielder ran the Hearts team ragged with his performance. Rated at 7.6 by SofaScore, O’Riley also made three key passes on top of his wonderful goal.
The Danish u21 also had 85 touches as he asserted his dominance in the midfield and had an 83% successful pass rate and put in eight crosses.
On top of his attacking prowess, O’Riley also chipped in defensively by winning half of his ground duels and making two successful tackles.
The £1.5m signing from MK Dons just continues to go from strength to strength for Brendan Rodgers this season.
With the Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid looming, the Celtic fans will be hoping that O’Riley takes his brilliant form into Wednesday night’s crucial tie.
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