Arne Engels came in as Celtic’s record signing last summer and has begun to have a telling impact in the engine room under Brendan Rodgers.
Widening their scope for recruitment, the Bhoys spent £11 million on Engels and he arrived as a fully-fledged Belgium international. Understandably, the pressure on him to deliver has been full-on.
Although the 21-year-old started life at Celtic in impressive fashion, there has been little leeway within expectations bestowed on his shoulders from some external forces.
Towards the end of last year, Brendan Rodgers defended Engels in the wake of unwarranted criticism. Looking back, it does seem a little absurd that someone with less than 100 senior appearances to his name was bashed despite now owning a double-figure goal-contribution tally.
Either way, Engels has taken it all in his stride and has spoken out on how he feels his start to what will hopefully be a long stay at Parkhead has unfolded.
Arne Engels’ verdict on how his season has went so far at Celtic
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s clash against Dundee United, Engels made it clear that he is simply looking to improve after getting into a positive groove following a spell coming on to impact matches from the bench at times.
He stated: “I think I’m in good form; I am performing well. You can always do better. Like every sportsman, you always want to do better in every game. Even if you score or give an assist, you always have some points you want to see improved. I think, in general, I’m doing fine.
On spending time on the bench now and again amid midfield competition: “I think it’s sometimes normal; I think ut’s up to me to show in training that I’m ready for the big games. I think I did that. Like every player, everybody wants to be in that team when the big games arrive.
But everybody did really great, so then it’s just waiting for the opportunity to take it. That’s what I did, so hopefully, I will do it hopefully in the next games.”
Celtic beginning to see the rewards of big money Engels spend
Significant fees never guarantee a translation of quality onto the pitch, but they do increase the chances of witnessing consistency and development within a player over a period of time.
Engels is still so young and has a lot to learn. Nevertheless, his physicality, ball-striking technique and capacity for creating chances have endeared him to the Celtic support.
Starring at both ends of the field on league duty, Engels has laid on 22 opportunities and won 36 duels, according to Fotmob, illustrating his value in both boxes as a roaming number eight option.
Time is well and truly on his and Celtic’s side, so expect an even better version of the Dendermonde-born man in weeks and months to come.
