It came as a surprise that Celtic defender Matt O’Riley wasn’t picked by Denmark for EURO 2024 in Germany this summer.
The 23-year-old had a great season with his club, scoring 19 goals and setting up 18 others in 49 games across all categories [Transfermarkt].
He said it was one of the hardest decisions he has to make when choosing his 26-man team, but Denmark manager Kasper Hjumland stuck to his choice to leave out the in-form playmaker.
He told them, “Matt has been a great player all season.” We can move around six of the people I chose. Even though it cost Matt, it was the right thing to do.
“I’m sure he’ll play in a lot of international games.” There was nothing he could do differently.
Fans in Scotland and Denmark were shocked and surprised by the news. However, O’Riley could still be on the plane to Germany.
Matt O’Riley is still ready to go for Denmark.
Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas expressed his surprise that O’Riley was not included in Denmark’s team on the social media site X. He also said that he is ready to help out if needed and has been training in case that time comes.
“Absolutely shocked” that Matt O’Riley wasn’t in the Denmark team, the reporter said. You could say that Hjulmand should have been stronger and picked him. He is their best center back right now, at least among those playing in the UK. He can still choose the right thing. He is ready and has been working.
From a Celtic fan’s point of view, O’Riley shouldn’t be there, and it’s surprising that he hasn’t been picked even though he’s been playing so well for the green and whites.
He had the most goals, assists, average match rating, chances created, “big chances” made, and expected assists across the whole club in the Scottish Premiership.
However, this small chance could be O’Riley’s only chance to show what he can do on the world stage. However, Denmark’s current players would probably have to get hurt for this to happen.
O’Riley has been in great shape for Celtic this season, scoring 19 goals and setting up 18 more across all categories. People use words like “phenomenal” to describe him because of the numbers he’s scored from middle. Still, he misses out, which has confused some people in the media.
We talked about Thomas Gravesen’s words earlier. The former star for Celtic and Denmark said that Hjulmand made picks that were too predictable and didn’t take advantage of players who were playing well week after week.
Other people have also spoken out, and the Denmark boss has not been spared abuse.
The Danish media give their opinion on Matt O’Riley.
Camilla Boraghi of Ekstra Bladet was probably the most honest. She said [translated via DeepL]: “A coach picking his team is not unfair.” He has the right to do that as the boss he is. However, it is this sense of unfairness that I am left with. Not in place of Matt O’Riley, but in place of Denmark.
“Because Kasper Hjulmand’s (not so surprising) strange decision to leave O’Riley off of his preliminary European Championship squad shows how badly the Danish men’s national team needs courage and creativity.”
BT took a more diplomatic stance, saying that Hjulmand’s connections with experienced players are beneficial. However, they also said, “Red-hot Matt O’Riley’s absence in the midfield has to stand out as the omission that makes us frown the most.”
At the same time, TV2 reporter Thomas Sønnichsen told Sky Sports, “All the experts saw Matt O’Riley in that team because of that great season with Celtic.” He hasn’t played great in the two games he’s played with the Danish national team so far, but he looks like he could be the future. For the Euros, you should put the future on your team because you’re also getting ready for the next event.
Sønnichsen also talked about the uproar on social media that followed, with many Danish fans posting about how surprised they were that O’Riley wasn’t there.
It’s still possible that one or two injuries will let the Celtic star play. He is not going on vacation because he is working to stay fit. The fact that he’ll do anything to stay in the running shows how strong his mind is.
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