We Need to Talk About Arne Engels

As the international break draws to a close, attention turns back to Celtic Park, where Brendan Rodgers’ squad is gearing up for a crucial stretch of fixtures. Among the talking points surrounding the Hoops is Arne Engels, with some dissenting voices in the support moaning about him already. Using his price tag as the reason for him seemingly not doing enough. But the player is evolving, and he’s changing Celtic’s midfield for the better; let’s look into it!

A Rising Star in the Midfield

Engels’ arrival in Glasgow sparked intrigue and debate, with fans looking to see how the Belgian midfielder would adapt to the intensity of Scottish Football. Despite an expected adjustment period, the 20-year-old has already offered glimpses of the dynamism that persuaded Celtic to invest so heavily.

With 14 appearances across all comPetitions, Engels has recorded three goals and three assists—a promising start for a player finding his rhythm in a new league. These contributions are particularly impressive given the relentless schedule of domestic and European fixtures that Rodgers’ squad has faced, with the Celtic manager mentioning that it is quite the jump from playing one Game a week with Ausburg to playing sometimes three times a week with Celtic and the pressure each Game brings.

Tactical Evolution Under Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers has taken a patient but demanding approach to Engels’ development, tasking him with roles across the midfield to identify his best fit. Initially deployed in a variety of positions, Engels has settled into a central, box-to-box role that highlights his stamina, ball-winning ability, and knack for linking defence to attack.

Recent matches against Aberdeen and Hearts underlined his growing iNFLuence. Engels displayed his tactical awareness and creativity, covering significant ground while orchestrating transitions from deep and pressing high. His ability to adapt and thrive under pressure has made him an asset in Celtic’s evolving midfield.

International Progression

Engels’ performances have not gone unnoticed at the international level. During the recent break, he added two more caps for Belgium, gaining valuable experience against top-quality opposition. Although Belgium’s results were not what they would have wanted, Engels earned plaudits for his work rate and technical skill, showing he can comPete at an elite level.

Such exposure is only set to accelerate his development, with Rodgers poised to reap the rewards of his player’s growing confidence and experience.

The Future of Celtic’s Midfield

As Engels continues to embed himself in the squad, his partnership with captain Callum McGregor is beginning to flourish. The young Belgian provides a complementary balance, allowing McGregor to dictate tempo while offering defensive support and a creative outlet.

The Belgian’s versatility and energy are becoming invaluable assets, particularly as Celtic prepare for crucial Champions League ties. His ability to press high, win back possession, and provide forward momentum could be pivotal in ensuring the Bhoys continue to comPete.

A Player to Watch

At just 20 years old, Arne Engels has already demonstrated he has the tools to become a key player for Celtic. His maturity, adaptability, and relentless work ethic align perfectly with the club’s ethos, and fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop under Rodgers’ guidance. So discard those who are putting him down and branding him as not good enough because they think he should be scoring more, etc.

If Engels maintains his upward trajectory, he could be the transformative player Celtic have long sought in midfield—a box-to-box dynamo capable of impacting both domestic and European campaigns.

For a more comprehensive look at Arne’s worth to the Celtic team, watch our latest video, where our UEFA Licenced coach, Quinny, goes into great detail about the Belgian’s midfield role. WATCH HERE.