Matt O’Riley could explode at Leeds United – ‘fans will love him’, says expert
Frank McAvennie has insisted Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley could thrive at Leeds United if he is to leave Scotland this summer.
The former West Ham and Celtic striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old would be “loved” by fans at Elland Road and could go “all the way” with the Whites.
According to GiveMeSport (23 March), Leeds are just one of several English clubs interested in O’Riley after his success with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The Yorkshire giants are reportedly plotting a swoop for the Denmark international if promoted back to the Premier League this season.
O’Riley, who was linked with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last summer (2023), has managed 12 goals and 16 assists in 40 games in the 2023-24 campaign.
The former MK Dons star is under contract with Celtic until May 2027 after penning a new deal in September 2023.
O’Riley could thrive ‘like David Silva’ at Leeds United, says Celtic expert McAvennie
After getting his first senior caps this season, he is set to play for Denmark at this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
When asked about a potential Leeds switch for the midfielder, Celtic expert McAvennie told Football Insider: “It depends what role Farke has planned for him.
“When he goes forward, he doesn’t have the pace to get back.
“That’s not a dig. There are a lot of outstanding players in England at the moment who haven’t got that pace.
“I just think he hasn’t quite got the pace to play in the Premier League, but that could all change if Farke finds the right role at Leeds.
“Let’s be honest, he can see a pass and he can score goals – but he can’t tackle.
“Those attributes are sought after in any league, even with his pace being a tick against him.
“Could he go and do it at a club like Leeds? Yes, I think he could.
“The fans will love him at Leeds. But he’s got to do it every week.
“He can’t do it for six games and then not show up for three – that’s my biggest gripe with O’Riley.
“He’s still young, and he can go all the way. David Silva or Jack Grealish never had that pace at Man City, but a good manager gets the best out of them.
“O’Riley won’t go to a top club, but somewhere like Leeds could be good for him.”
In other news, Leeds have “regret” as crippling transfer details revealed.
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