Matt O’Riley admits Brighton frustration after Everton transfer links

Matt O’Riley has opened up on his frustration at being played out of position in his first season at Brighton & Hove Albion. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Everton.

O’Riley was one of a number of big-money arrivals at the Amex Stadium last summer, although he failed to showcase the form that made him such a big hit at Celtic.

The 24-year-old suffered an injury on his first appearance for the Seagulls and was then sidelined until November.

He scored in his first Premier League appearance for the club – a winner against Manchester City – but failed to establish himself as a regular. His second goal in the top flight came on the final day of the season in a 4-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.

While away on international duty, O’Riley has spoken openly about his frustrations at being played out of position by head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

“I’m best at the number 8 position, where I can go box to box,” he told BT (h/t Sport Witness) “I’ve only played two games there, otherwise I’ve been used as a winger, false number 9 or something else.”

“It makes it difficult to show off when you play a position you’re not completely happy with.”

“I’m just giving my opinion. I can play better for the team if I play the number 8 position, but I can play well in other positions. You can say it in a way that is not aggressive. If you are honest with another person, you don’t lose anything. The coach can always say he doesn’t agree.”

According to Sky Sports, Everton do hold an interest in the Brighton player, although they could face competition from a number of clubs.

The Blues have already added Carlos Alcaraz to their midfield options having lost Abdoulaye Doucoure at the end of his contract.

Everton are yet to provide an update on the future of key midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who is also out of contract this summer.