Sport Nation 2OPINION: Why Celtic Should Sign Mateusz Bogusz to Replace Matt O’Riley
Mateusz Bogusz, currently playing for Los Angeles FC, has emerged as a late summer transfer target for Celtic. The 23-year-old Polish midfielder is seen as a potential replacement for Matt O’Riley, who recently moved to Brighton. Bogusz has enjoyed a standout season in the MLS, and his versatility and impressive performances have caught the attention of the Scottish club. As Celtic looks to fill the void left by O’Riley, Bogusz presents a compelling option, both for his skill set and his potential to adapt to Brendan Rodgers’ playing style.
Player Profile
Bogusz began his career at Ruch Chorzow in Poland before moving to Leeds United at the age of 17. He was part of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and made his debut in an EFL Cup match in 2019. However, opportunities at Leeds were limited, leading to loan spells at Logrones and Ibiza in Spain’s second division. Bogusz’s time in Spain helped him develop his game, setting the stage for his move to LAFC ahead of the 2023 MLS season.
At LAFC, Bogusz initially played a minor role but has blossomed in the 2024 season. He has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 24 MLS appearances. Additionally, he has netted four goals and made two assists in the League Cups and US Open Cup campaigns. Bogusz’s strong performances have sparked talk of a full international call-up for Poland, underscoring his growing reputation.
Playing Style and Versatility
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Bogusz has shown his versatility by playing various roles for LAFC. He has spent the majority of his time as a centre-forward in a 3-4-3 formation, acting more as a ‘false nine’ than a traditional striker. Bogusz has also been deployed as a right-winger and a central midfielder, demonstrating his adaptability. Standing at around 5’9” with an athletic build, Bogusz combines technical ability with physical strength, making him a well-rounded player.
Data Analysis
Analyzing Bogusz’s data from the MLS provides a deeper insight into his playing style. He has been prolific in front of goal, with a non-penalty goal rate of 0.58 per 90 minutes, significantly above his expected goals (xG) of 0.28 per 90. This overperformance is partly due to his willingness to take shots from long distances, which, while reducing xG value, showcases his ability to score spectacular goals.
Bogusz is also a strong ball carrier, attempting over three dribbles per 90 minutes and completing them at a rate of just over 50%. His 1.72 progressive runs per 90 put him in the top quartile of MLS centre-forwards, highlighting his ability to advance play and disrupt defensive lines.
Possession and Passing Ability
In possession, Bogusz stands out for his high involvement, even though LAFC is not a possession-dominant side. He boasts impressive accuracy rates for short and medium passes, with 86.12% and 80.65% success, respectively. These stats suggest that Bogusz could effectively slot into one of Celtic’s advanced central midfield roles, providing a link between defense and attack.
His chance creation numbers are notable as well. Bogusz ranks in the 76th percentile for expected assists (xA) per 90, and his key passes per 90 are higher than average for MLS centre-forwards. These attributes could make him a valuable addition to Celtic’s midfield, particularly in a role that demands both creativity and goal-scoring.
Goal Threat and Shooting Analysis
A significant portion of Bogusz’s goal threat comes from his ability to score from outside the box. Over the past year, he has taken almost as many shots from outside the penalty area as from within, scoring six goals from long-range efforts. His capability to score from direct free-kicks adds another dimension to his goal-scoring arsenal.
While he tends to shoot from distance, Bogusz has also demonstrated a knack for finishing inside the box. His goals from within the penalty area slightly exceed his xG, indicating a reliable finishing ability. His preference for shooting from the left half-space aligns well with Celtic’s playing style, where midfielders often look to exploit similar areas.
Chance Creation and Playmaking
Beyond scoring, Bogusz is also a capable playmaker. He has produced 31 shot assists in the past year, with an expected assist (xA) value of 4.68. This shows his ability to create quality chances for his teammates. His vision and decision-making in the final third are reflected in his shot assist map, which shows contributions from both set-pieces and open play.
Bogusz’s ability to make key passes, both short and long, highlights his playmaking versatility. Whether it’s through-ball passes to split defenses or accurate crosses from wide areas, Bogusz can contribute significantly to Celtic’s attacking dynamics.
Defensive Contributions
While Bogusz’s offensive abilities are well-documented, his defensive contributions also merit attention. He engages in a significant number of defensive duels and makes recoveries in the final third. However, his win rate in these duels is lower than average, suggesting room for improvement. In the more physical environment of the Scottish Premiership, Bogusz will need to refine his defensive skills to meet Brendan Rodgers’ pressing demands.
Adaptability and Potential Impact at Celtic
Bogusz’s skill set makes him an intriguing option for Celtic. His ability to play multiple positions—attacking midfield, winger, or centre-forward—would provide Brendan Rodgers with tactical flexibility. While he may not be a like-for-like replacement for O’Riley, Bogusz brings different strengths to the table. His proficiency in dead-ball situations, combined with his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, could make him a valuable asset in Celtic’s quest for domestic and European success.
His experience in the MLS, where he has adapted to various roles and styles, suggests that Bogusz could transition effectively to the Scottish Premiership. His breakout season at LAFC, highlighted by goal-scoring exploits and solid creative contributions, underlines his potential to make a significant impact at Celtic Park.
Conclusion
Mateusz Bogusz represents a promising target for Celtic as they look to reinforce their squad. His versatility, coupled with his strong attacking and possession metrics, makes him a valuable prospect. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in his defensive work rate and aerial duels, his overall profile aligns well with Celtic’s needs. If a deal can be reached, Bogusz could play a key role in Celtic’s ambitions, both domestically and in Europe.
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