‘He suffers’: Pundit believes he knows the real reason Matt O’Riley’s form at Celtic is suffering

The Celtics’ performance has been bothering the supporters for a few months now.

The fast-paced, free-flowing football played under Ange Postecoglou is no more; Brendan Rodgers has replaced it with a far slower tempo and methodical build-up.

Although Aaron Rodgers’ injury problems have undoubtedly not helped, fans are generally not thrilled with what they have been seeing from their club lately.

The worrying decline in Kyogo Furuhashi’s popularity is the supporters’ top concern. Rodgers, who was obviously having trouble scoring, adjusted his game plan to suit the Japanese striker by having Adam Idah play as a target man for Kyogo to work off of.

It has also been successful. Kyogo may be ready to reclaim his peak form after scoring two goals in his last two games, but it appears that Matt O’Riley has suffered as a result. That’s what commentator Gordon Dalziel claims.

Dalziel stated [on Superscoreboard], “He scored two goals after switching to the number 10 position.” I’ve stated from the beginning that Kyogo is an obvious striker in my opinion.

Brendan Rodgers had to update information at St. Mirren. He was receiving criticism for his wingers and it wasn’t really working.

He chose to play with the two forwards as a result. They played really well, he won the game, and everyone was thrilled.

“For me, the distinction was that Matt O’Riley was in the prime of his life. Additionally, I believe that Kyogo suffers every time he is played on that 10.

“I don’t think he can hit the same kind of runs, and I don’t think his timing is accurate.” He gives up a small portion of his game.

“But, if I were playing my best team, I would play Kyogo through the middle all day because I think he’s an incredible player who puts a lot of pressure on defenders and creates a lot of issues.”

Matt O’Riley’s shape in Celtic

Among the guys who aren’t doing well, Matt O’Riley is one who Celtic fans should be worried about. Over the previous two seasons, the 23-year-old has been among the team’s most exceptional players, and it appeared that he had stepped up under Rodgers.

However, he has been mainly unnoticeable in the last few games. Additionally, he has significantly decreased his league goals and assists.

O’Riley has really been mostly poor since the beginning of January, when he last made a contribution with a goal and an assist in the 3-0 victory over St Mirren. [Transfermarkt]

With 12 games remaining in the season, O’Riley needs to find his goalscoring form if the Celtics are to have any chance of winning the league. As such, the team’s supporters will be hoping he does it quickly.

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