Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has recently issued a comprehensive and encouraging update regarding former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, reflecting on his difficult first season at the club and the strides he has made in his development. O’Riley, who joined Brighton after establishing himself as a key player at Celtic, made the move to the Premier League amidst high hopes. However, his initial period at the club was not without challenges, as he had to adapt to the intense physicality and quick pace of English top-flight football, which differs significantly from the Scottish Premiership.
Upon his arrival at Brighton, O’Riley was expected to slot seamlessly into the midfield and bring some of the creativity and vision that had made him a standout performer at Celtic Park. Yet, the transition was not immediate. The demands of the Premier League proved to be a step up, with O’Riley finding it difficult to make the same impact he had enjoyed at Celtic. He struggled to assert himself in the midfield in the early part of the season, and his performances were marked by inconsistency. Additionally, with Brighton possessing a deep and competitive squad, O’Riley faced fierce competition for a starting spot.
However, Hurzeler has always seen the potential in O’Riley, and the manager’s latest comments are a testament to the growth the young midfielder has undergone since joining the club. “It’s important to recognize the context in which Matt arrived at Brighton. The Premier League is a different animal altogether, and it’s always going to take time for players to settle,” Hurzeler explained. “Matt had a tough start, as many players do when making that jump, but the signs of his talent were always there. It was just about finding the right balance for him to flourish, and he’s definitely moving in the right direction now.”
Hurzeler went on to praise O’Riley’s resilience and work ethic, which have been key factors in his development. The manager noted that despite the initial setbacks, O’Riley never lost confidence in his ability or his belief in his own potential. Instead, he focused on improving his physicality, understanding the tactical nuances of Premier League football, and adapting to the more intense demands of the league. “Matt’s attitude is exemplary,” Hurzeler said. “It’s easy to become frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but he’s handled everything with maturity. His commitment to improving, both in training and in his personal development, is something that really stands out.”
One of the key areas in which O’Riley has made significant strides is his physical fitness. Hurzeler acknowledged that the Premier League’s physicality can be a major adjustment for players coming from other leagues, and O’Riley had to work hard to adapt to the demanding style of play. “The Premier League is so physically demanding, and that was an area Matt needed to focus on,” Hurzeler explained. “We’ve seen huge improvements in his strength, stamina, and overall fitness. It’s allowed him to compete more effectively in midfield, especially when facing powerful and aggressive opponents. That’s something that will only continue to benefit him.”
As O’Riley has adapted to the physical demands of the Premier League, his technical qualities have also started to shine through. Hurzeler highlighted the midfielder’s exceptional vision and passing ability, which are becoming increasingly important for Brighton’s style of play. “Matt has always had that ability to pick out the right pass, to see spaces others might not see. That’s something that is really beginning to come to the fore now,” Hurzeler said. “He’s also showing more confidence in his ability to control the tempo of the game, which is crucial in our style of play. It’s clear that he’s starting to become more influential in matches.”
Indeed, O’Riley’s performances in recent months have reflected his growing confidence and increasing influence on the pitch. His ability to dictate play from midfield has become more evident, and his range of passing has allowed him to create numerous chances for Brighton’s attacking players. Hurzeler noted that O’Riley has developed a stronger understanding of how to link up with the rest of the team, particularly in high-pressure situations. “He’s been much more composed in possession, and we’ve seen a greater sense of leadership from him on the pitch. As a midfielder, you need to be able to control the game and bring others into it, and Matt has shown real maturity in that regard,” Hurzeler remarked.
The Brighton manager also spoke about the importance of O’Riley’s growing sense of self-belief. “When a player is uncertain or still adjusting, they can sometimes hesitate or second-guess themselves. But now, Matt is playing with more conviction. He’s trusting his instincts, and that’s been a huge positive for us,” Hurzeler said. “He’s taking more risks with his passes, pushing forward when needed, and making more of an impact on the game.”
Looking to the future, Hurzeler is excited about O’Riley’s potential and what he can bring to Brighton’s midfield in the seasons to come. “We’re really excited about Matt’s future here,” Hurzeler said. “He’s only going to get better with time, and we’re seeing more and more of what we believe he can offer. We’ve always known that he has the quality, but the most important thing is that he’s now finding his feet and starting to deliver on the pitch consistently.”
Hurzeler emphasized that O’Riley’s development is still ongoing, and while the progress is encouraging, there is still room for further improvement. “Matt has already come a long way, but there’s still so much more to come. He’s learning every day, and that’s something we really value at Brighton. He’s shown that he can thrive at this level, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to grow into a key player for us,” Hurzeler concluded.
For O’Riley, the update is a testament to the hard work and perseverance he has shown since making the move from Celtic to Brighton. His first season may have been filled with challenges, but it’s clear that his potential is beginning to shine through. With Hurzeler’s backing and the support of his teammates, O’Riley is on track to establish himself as an integral part of Brighton’s midfield in the coming years. As he continues to adjust to the Premier League, the future looks bright for the talented midfielder, and fans of both Brighton and O’Riley himself will be eager to see how his career unfolds in the months and seasons ahead.