Matt O’Riley hits out at Fabian Hürzeler amidst Everton links

With the transfer window back open, the rumour mill will be spinning like it always will.

Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley signed from Celtic last summer for around £25 million. The Seagulls had reportedly chased his signature for many years, but it seems as though his time on the South Coast has a bittersweet feeling to it.

How has Matt O’Riley settled at Brighton?

O’Riley has had a reasonable season, considering his early injury issues after Jay Williams launched a wild, reckless challenge within just six minutes of his debut against Crawley Town.

The injury left O’Riley out with an ankle issue for months, and his impact at the club was haulted early. Through very commended hard work and dedication, he returned to the Albion squad sooner than expected.

Boss Fabian Hürzeler praised his mentality at the time, and fans finally had a chance to get their eyes on the new man.

Most dramatically, O’Riley made a typical late run into the box after an impactful appearance against current reigning champions Manchester City. The run was timed to perfection, as a cute through ball from João Pedro found the foot of the Dane, who calmly slotted the bouncing ball past Ederson. A Premier League debut goal, and it felt like a true moment of good Karma.

O’Riley’s Seaside Struggles

It hasn’t been quite as plain sailing since and after periods of further injury, personal problems, and uncomfortable conversations with his manager, O’Riley spent a lot of time out of the starting 11.

Matt O'Riley heading for the corner [image via Twitter/X]

He recently told Danish media: 

“I’m best in the No. 8 position, where I can go box-to-box. I’ve only played two games there — otherwise, I’ve been used as a winger, false 9, or something else.

It’s hard to showcase yourself when you’re playing in a position you’re not completely happy with.

I’m just expressing my opinion. I can play better for the team if I’m in the No. 8 role, but I can also perform well in other positions.

You can say it in a way that’s not aggressive. If you’re honest with someone, you’re not losing anything. The coach can always say he disagrees.

I’ve become better at defending, being more aggressive and intense in duels.

My coach said I needed to work on my defensive mindset so I could defend better and help the team that way. I think that will also help on the national team.

It’s been tough when you haven’t been able to go out and give it your all.

The last six to seven weeks, my body has been in a much better place. That helps when playing good football.

I’ve had difficult things happen in my personal life involving people close to me, and that doesn’t help on the pitch if you’re not stable off it.

I mainly just need to focus on football, take care of my well-being, and have fun. Then everything else will fall into place.”

Whether this could be indiciation towards leaving the club this summer or not, he has made his feelings clear over a ‘mixed’ season. A motto that could ring beyond just the Danish international, who is chasing his third cap for his national side. A season of real ups and downs, and for some it could prove a little too much for the stability of their career.

Most importantly, we wish him all the best for any off the pitch issues, and praise his mentality to continue to compete at the top level despite them.

After ending the season in a stronger manner, perhaps it could be enough to tempt another season. However, Hürzeler’s tactics do not favour the gulf of possession based midfielders at the club, and thus the writing could be on the wall in that sense.

O’Riley has been linked to Everton and other European clubs if Brighton decide to sanction a move this summer, and amidst recent public links to Ollie Arblaster at Sheffield United, perhaps it could be a case of reading between the lines.