Alious
Former Celtic standout Matt O’Riley has candidly revealed his dissatisfaction with how he’s being deployed at Brighton & Hove Albion, openly stating that he’s not comfortable with the role he’s been given under manager Fabian Hürzeler.
In a frank interview with Danish media, the 24-year-old midfielder, who moved to Brighton following a stellar season in Scotland, expressed that his preferred position is as a central No. 8 – a role that allows him to impact both ends of the pitch. However, since arriving in the Premier League, O’Riley has rarely played in that position, instead being used across various roles including winger and false nine, which he admits doesn’t bring out the best in him.
“I’m not fully satisfied,” O’Riley confessed. “It’s hard to truly show what I’m capable of when I’m not playing in my ideal position. I’ve expressed my opinion to the manager respectfully – it’s not about being aggressive, but being honest. I believe I can give more to the team from the No. 8 role.”
O’Riley joined Brighton last summer in a deal worth over £25 million, having left Celtic on the back of an exceptional individual campaign that helped secure a domestic double under Brendan Rodgers. At Celtic, he carved a reputation as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, registering 27 goals and 35 assists in 124 appearances, and picking up numerous individual honours.
Despite a promising start at Brighton, where he has notched three assists and two goals in 23 appearances – including a memorable penalty against Spurs – the Danish international has had his progress slowed by injury and positional reshuffling. While he acknowledges improvements in his defensive game under Hürzeler’s guidance, O’Riley makes it clear that his growth is being stifled by not playing where he excels.
“I’ve worked on being more aggressive and committed in duels,” he said. “That’s definitely something the coach wanted me to improve. But ultimately, I’m at my best when I can roam box to box and contribute in all phases of the game.”
With his unhappiness becoming more apparent, clubs are beginning to circle. Premier League rivals Everton are reportedly keen, while multiple Serie A sides are said to be monitoring his situation closely. A summer move could be on the cards if O’Riley sees an opportunity to return to his favoured role elsewhere.
Signed for just £1.5 million by Ange Postecoglou from MK Dons in January 2022, O’Riley played a pivotal role in Celtic’s resurgence, helping the club win three league titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup. His impact in the Glasgow Derby and his consistency over two and a half seasons cemented his legacy with the Hoops before his big-money Premier League switch.
As speculation grows around his future, one thing is certain: O’Riley wants to play where he can be most effective – and if Brighton can’t offer that, another club likely will.
Alious
