Why Celtic's Paulo Bernardo wants to..

Why Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo wants to replace… Read more.

Paulo Bernardo, the young Portuguese midfielder currently on loan at Celtic from Benfica, has set his sights on establishing himself as a key player for the Scottish champions.

One of his main targets is to replace Matt O’Riley, who has been one of Celtic’s standout performers in recent seasons.

Bernardo, who joined Celtic in the summer transfer window, arrived with a growing reputation in Portuguese football.

The 21-year-old midfielder was highly regarded at Benfica but struggled to break into the first team consistently. His move to Celtic was seen as an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience and showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.

Since his arrival, Bernardo has been gradually integrated into the Celtic squad by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Although his appearances have been limited so far, the young midfielder has shown glimpses of his potential in the games he has played. His vision, technical ability, and work rate have impressed both the coaching staff and fans.

However, Bernardo knows that to secure a regular starting spot, he will need to outperform established players like Matt O’Riley. O’Riley, who joined Celtic in January 2022, has become a fan favorite and one of the team’s most consistent performers.

The Danish midfielder’s ability to control the tempo of the game, his passing range, and his knack for scoring important goals have made him a crucial part of Celtic’s midfield.

Bernardo is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

Replacing O’Riley won’t be easy, but the Portuguese youngster is determined to make his mark. In interviews, Bernardo has expressed his admiration for O’Riley’s style of play but also emphasized his desire to compete for a starting role.

He believes that his own qualities can bring something different to the team, particularly in terms of creativity and attacking flair.

The competition between Bernardo and O’Riley could benefit Celtic as a whole.

With a busy fixture schedule that includes domestic competitions and European matches, having two high-quality midfielders pushing each other for a spot can only improve the team’s performance.

Rodgers has welcomed the competition, stating that it’s healthy for the squad and that he expects both players to raise their levels.

As the season progresses, Bernardo will continue to work hard in training and seize any opportunities that come his way.

His ambition to replace O’Riley is a testament to his hunger and determination to succeed at Celtic.

If he continues to develop and impress, Bernardo could become a key player for the Hoops, providing an exciting option in the midfield for years to come.