Sport nationArne Engels, a 20-year-old Belgian midfielder, has emerged as one of Celtic’s top priorities to replace Matt O’Riley, who is increasingly likely to leave the club. According to German football insider Derek Rae, Engels possesses the technical ability and all-around skills necessary to fill the void left by the Dane.
Rae, who has closely followed Engels’ career, believes that the young midfielder has the potential to make an instant impact at Celtic. He cites Engels’ impressive debut against Borussia Dortmund in January 2023 as evidence of his ability to perform on the big stage. Despite being thrown into the starting XI against a strong Dortmund side, Engels acquitted himself well, providing an assist in a thrilling 4-3 defeat.
Rae describes Engels as a modern defensive midfielder, with excellent technical skills, timing, and fundamentals. He notes that Engels is not a traditional “battering ram” style midfielder but rather a player who relies on his intelligence and anticipation to win the ball back. This approach has earned Engels a reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders in the Bundesliga.
In addition to his technical ability, Engels is also versatile and can play in multiple positions. Rae notes that Engels has been used at right-back and in more advanced roles, but his skills are best suited to playing in the center of midfield. This versatility makes him an attractive prospect for Celtic, who value players who can adapt to different situations.
Engels’ ability to take corners and deliver a good ball into the box is another asset that Rae highlights. This skillset is rare in modern midfielders, and Engels’ ability to provide a threat from set pieces could be a valuable asset for Celtic.
Despite his impressive abilities, Engels has flown under the radar in Germany, with few big clubs taking notice of him. However, Rae believes that this lack of attention could work in Celtic’s favor, allowing them to secure his signature without facing competition from larger clubs.
Rae notes that Engels’ current club, Augsburg, values him at around £10m, a price that he believes would be worth paying for Celtic. He argues that Engels has the potential to develop into a top-class midfielder and that his signing would represent a shrewd investment for the Scottish champions.
In conclusion, Arne Engels has emerged as a top priority for Celtic as they seek to replace Matt O’Riley. With his technical ability, versatility, and all-around skills, Engels has the potential to make an instant impact at the club. While he may not be a household name, Rae’s assessment suggests that Engels is a hidden gem who could thrive in the Scottish Premiership. If Celtic can secure his signature, they may have found the perfect replacement for O’Riley.
Sport nation
Austute Man