Brighton vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League from the Amex Stadium - Sunday, 2pm
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler insists Matt O'Riley has plenty to offer in the second half of the season.
O'Riley returned early from his season loan at Marseille and is now in contention to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this Sunday.
It's quite a U-turn for the 26-year-old Denmark international midfielder who seemed surplus to requirements at the start of the campaign.
However, Brajan Gruda's surprise loan to RB Leipzig has opened the door for O'Riley, who joined the Seagulls for around £25m from Celtic in 2024.
"He can offer us experience, he's an experienced player,” said Hurzeler in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference.
“He can offer us the danger in the opponent's box because he's a great player to attack the opponent's box. He has a very good left foot. I think that's another big advantage.”
Quite where O’Riley fits into the first team, remains to be seen. No 10 is his favoured position but he faces competition from Pascal Gross, Diego Gomez and Georginio.
Hurzeler added: “He's very good in playing in the pockets. He has a good understanding of the game and therefore we are pleased that he's back because he's not only a good player, he has a good character. He's fitting to our values, to our principles.
“He's a good add-on for our culture and therefore we are pleased that he's back.”
Hurzeler: This match has big meaning
Brighton have just one win in their last 11 matches and have slipped to 13th in the Premier League table. Hurzeler is under pressure and admits this is a big match for him as he looks for his first win against the club’s old rivals.
“Definitely. There's a big meaning in this game,” added the German. “Not only for us as a team but also for supporters of the club.
“We want to try and get this win for the fans. They suffered a lot in the last weeks and it’s our responsibility to promise that we will be fully committed, that we will give everything and then we are convinced that we can get the win.
“[Palace] are a very stable team, and although they're not on a great run like us I think they're always in their games.
“They make the games very tight. They always create good chances. They seem to be a very compact team.
“We all know Oliver Glasner and what he's capable of doing with his team, so we are looking forward for this challenge and this opportunity to bounce back.”
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