As the iconic Champions League anthem echoed through Celtic Park, the camera panned across the players standing in line, capturing the tension and anticipation. Among the mix of focused and nervous faces, Arne Engels stood out, nodding with confidence, ready for the challenge. The 21-year-old Belgium international, signed for a club-record fee of £11m from Bundesliga’s Augsburg, was brought in for nights like this, and he didn’t disappoint.
Arne Engels’ Standout Performance Against Slovan Bratislava
In Celtic’s commanding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, Engels delivered a complete midfield masterclass. His performance included a goal, an assist, and four shots on goal. Defensively, only centre-back Liam Scales made more tackles and won more duels than the young midfielder. Engels’ relentless work rate was evident even in the 89th minute, pressing high, winning the ball, and celebrating passionately with the crowd.
“He’s a class act,” said former Scotland forward James McFadden on Sportsound. “You can see the confidence. At 21, after a big-money move, many wonder how young players will handle the pressure. But Engels is so comfortable on the ball, and his understanding of the midfield role is impressive. He knows when to push forward and when to cover defensively. His game awareness is exceptional.”
Celtic’s Summer Strategy: Arne Engels as the Key Signing
Engels epitomizes Celtic’s transfer strategy this summer. After criticism from fans over a perceived lack of ambition in European competitions, Celtic sought to bolster their squad. Brendan Rodgers, returning to the club, aimed to fix the European shortcomings of previous seasons. The sale of Matt O’Riley to Brighton in late August opened the door for a flurry of signings, with Engels being the headline acquisition.
Rodgers praised Engels’ recruitment: “Our recruitment team did a great job identifying him. We needed someone with the technical and tactical understanding we desire, but also the physicality and running power required at this level. Engels was already playing in a top league, and we felt we could improve his game here.”
Tougher Tests Ahead for Celtic and Engels
While Engels’ performance against Slovan Bratislava was impressive, Celtic faces much tougher challenges in the Champions League. Next on the schedule is a trip to last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund, followed by an away fixture against Europa League champions Atalanta. However, favorable home games against Young Boys and Club Bruges, and a trip to face a Dinamo Zagreb side that conceded nine goals to Bayern Munich, present a real opportunity for Celtic to secure a spot in the play-off round.
Engels, with his standout midfield play, will undoubtedly be a key figure for Celtic in the coming matches. Despite only being at the club for a short time, his confidence and potential for growth are clear. “I’m only here one-and-a-half weeks,” Engels told BBC Scotland. “I need to build relationships with the guys, work on details in training, and analyze my game footage to keep improving. I believe it will only get better from here.”
Conclusion
Arne Engels has quickly proven his worth to Celtic, demonstrating why he was brought in for such a significant fee. His confidence, skill, and ability to rise to the occasion will be crucial for Celtic as they navigate the challenges of the Champions League. With tougher tests ahead, Engels’ contribution could be key in helping Celtic advance to the next stage of the competition.
