First Impressions: Does Bernardo Replace O'Riley?
The post-Matt O’Riley eras started before the midfielder signed on for Brighton and Hove Albion as Celtic faced St Mirren in the wind and rain of Paisley.
Paolo Bernardo, now a Celt on a five-year contract following a £3,400,000 move from Benfica, started in O’Riley’s right-sided central midfield position.
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Here is his Sofascore-generated heat map.
For comparison here is O’Riley’s from his matches for Celtic this season.
Note that the white arrows indicate the direction of Celtic attacks – they are different for the two players. Also, note that O’Riley’s data is total activity for the season versus Bernardo’s for one match.
These are small samples and the intention here is a “first impressions” piece, not a conclusive deep dive.
Points of note, then.
Firstly, Bernardo’s overall performance indicates more defensive positioning than we habitually saw from O’Riley. Screening in front of the back four, in a game where St Mirren did not often threaten from that area.
Secondly, the lack of presence from the Portuguese in the number ten half spaces just outside the box and within the box itself. The Dane added a considerable goal threat last season, of course. O’Riley averaged 5.33 touches in the opposition box whilst it’s just 2.76 so far for Bernardo.
O’Riley leaves with 0.26 xG per 90 minutes this season and in Bernardo’s early appearances, he is currently at a lowly 0.02.
On the other hand, the Dane was creating 2.67 chances per game, and Bernardo is on 3.67.
It is very early days of course.
My point at this stage is to not see Bernardo as a direct replacement for O’Riley in all aspects of the game. His profile will change over time and as we get towards 900 minutes this season as a starter.
But, for now, a glimpse into a different take on the right-sided number eight position.
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