Sport Nation 2Arne Engels has quickly made a name for himself at Celtic, becoming a fan favorite just weeks into his tenure with the Scottish champions. The 21-year-old Belgian midfielder, who joined the club in a record-breaking transfer, has already started to justify the high expectations placed upon him.
A Promising Start for Arne Engels
Since his arrival, Engels has seamlessly integrated into the Celtic squad, quickly earning a spot in the starting XI under manager Brendan Rodgers. Despite the pressure of replacing Matt O’Riley, who was instrumental for Celtic last season, Engels has risen to the occasion. His performances have been nothing short of impressive, proving that he is more than capable of filling O’Riley’s shoes.
Engels’ impact has been immediate. Not only has he found the back of the net in Celtic colors, but he has also established himself as a key player in the team’s midfield. His physical presence and robust playing style have provided a new dimension to Celtic’s midfield, complementing the skills of established players like Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
The Impact of Matt O’Riley’s Departure
Matt O’Riley was a significant figure for Celtic, particularly in his final season. His departure left a void in the squad, and many wondered whether Engels could step up to fill it. The young Belgian, however, has not only met expectations but has also brought his own unique qualities to the team.
Engels’ versatility and strength in the midfield have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver results in crucial moments has quickly endeared him to the Celtic faithful. In fact, some have already begun to argue that Engels could surpass O’Riley’s contributions to the team.
John Hartson’s High Praise
Former Celtic striker John Hartson has been particularly impressed with Engels’ performances. When asked about Barry Ferguson’s claim that Engels could prove to be a better player than O’Riley, Hartson acknowledged the significance of such a statement. “That’s a big statement from Barry, (Ferguson)” Hartson said. “He was a fantastic midfield player himself, so his opinion carries weight.”
Hartson went on to express his admiration for Engels, highlighting the Belgian’s physicality and presence in the middle of the park. “Engels has come in and really, really impressed me,” Hartson continued. “He’s exactly what Celtic needed, especially with players like McGregor around him. Whether it’s going to be Bernardo or Hatate alongside him, Engels has the qualities to shine.”
The Upcoming Challenge Against Borussia Dortmund
Celtic’s next big test will come in the form of a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund. This match is seen as one of the toughest challenges of the season, and it presents an opportunity for Engels to further solidify his status as a key player for the team.
Hartson believes that Engels is well-equipped to handle the pressure of such a high-stakes match. “These are the types of games where Engels can take his game to serious heights,” Hartson said. “He has the potential to become a hero for Celtic pretty much straight away.”
Celtic has had a strong start to their Champions League campaign, but they are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Matches away from home, particularly in venues as intimidating as Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, have historically been difficult for the Scottish champions. However, with Engels in the squad, there is a renewed sense of optimism.
A New Era for Celtic in Europe
Celtic’s performances in Europe have often been a source of frustration for fans, with the team struggling to replicate their domestic success on the continental stage. However, there is a growing belief that this season could be different. The addition of players like Engels has strengthened the squad, and the team’s mentality seems to be in a better place than it has been in years.
Brendan Rodgers has been instrumental in fostering this sense of belief within the squad. His experience and tactical acumen have helped Celtic navigate the challenges of both domestic and European competitions. The team’s strong start to the season, combined with the emergence of new stars like Engels, has given fans reason to be optimistic about the future.
The Road Ahead
As Celtic prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and continuing to build on their early-season success. The match against Borussia Dortmund will be a crucial test, but it is also an opportunity for the team to make a statement on the European stage.
Engels will undoubtedly play a central role in Celtic’s ambitions this season. His performances so far suggest that he has the potential to become one of the club’s most important players. Whether he can live up to the lofty expectations set by figures like Barry Ferguson and John Hartson remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising.
Conclusion
Arne Engels’ arrival at Celtic has injected new energy into the team. His performances have quickly won over fans and earned him praise from both his teammates and Celtic legends like John Hartson. As Celtic gears up for a challenging season, particularly in Europe, Engels will be a player to watch. His ability to step up in crucial moments could be the difference between a successful campaign and another season of near misses.
Celtic’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund will be a defining moment in their season. With Engels in the squad, there is hope that the team can finally make a significant impact in Europe. For now, the focus will be on continuing to build on the positive start to the season and ensuring that players like Engels continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success.
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