Chris Sutton claims one Celtic player has tools to replace Matt O'Riley

Celtic parted ways with arguably their best player this summer with Matt O'Riley joining Brighton & Hove Albion in a Scottish-record move. The Hoops went all out to replace the Danish midfielder as well, bringing in Arne Engels for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £11 million, a club record.

Engels was not the only midfielder that Celtic signed this summer though. Another was Paulo Bernardo, who was brought in on a permanent basis from Benfica after a successful loan spell last season.

Engels made his debut against the Rangers off the bench and looked solid. But it was Bernardo, who stole the show at the weekend.

He was brilliant in the middle of the park and unlucky not to score, after showcasing some magical footwork in the Rangers penalty box. And it looks like Engels might have some competition for the starting spot, if Bernardo can keep performing like he did in the Glasgow Derby.

Chris Sutton claims one Celtic player has tools to replace Matt O'Riley

Chris Sutton is someone who seems to have been impressed with Bernardo's display against the Rangers. In his column in the Daily Record, he wrote:

"Clearly, it is going to take a good one to step into the breach left by Matt O’Riley alongside captain Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.

But Bernardo sure laid out his claims in the Old Firm. He had previous by scoring and making goals in the fixture and he was magnificent for his hour on the park before his place was taken by the new Belgian. The Portuguese really mixed his game up. He did the hard yards and made the tackles as well as making the angles and passes.

Bernardo said upon signing that he was after O’Riley’s shirt even if the Dane stayed and this was a polished performance which again suggests he’s got the tools."

Bernardo's performances for Celtic have always been solid. One thing that he needs to add to his game though is consistent output in terms of goals and assists. If he can do that, then the club might really have their replacement for O'Riley.

Of course, one would have to patient. It took O'Riley some time to starting contributing consistently in front of goal as well. But once he started to do so, he never stopped.

Brendan Rodgers has a solid record when it comes to getting the best out of his players. Hopefully, he can do that with Bernardo moving forward, like he did with O'Riley.