Arne Engels produced one of his best displays in a Celtic shirt as Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 at Celtic Park in the Europa League.
Engels played a key role in both halves of the match. In the first, he was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise flat Celtic performance, going close to scoring with a powerful header that was cleared off the line. Even as the team struggled to find rhythm, Engels’ energy, movement, and vision stood out, as he continually looked to create space and link up with Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor in midfield.
It was after the break, though, that the 22-year-old truly took control. His corner on the 64th minute was perfectly placed for Benjamin Nygren to head home the winning goal, a delivery full of pace, precision, and confidence.
It was no surprise that most of Celtic’s best attacking moments flowed through him, as he dictated the tempo and carried the side up the pitch with a calm assurance rarely seen from such a young player in European competition.
Engels’ performance was a reminder of why Celtic moved quickly to bring him to Glasgow. Technically gifted and tactically sharp, he has the ability to unlock defences and deliver in high-pressure moments. Beyond his assist, it was his work rate and composure that caught the eye, tracking back to win key duels, pressing intelligently, and showing a maturity that belied his age.
Supporters inside Celtic Park recognised it too, with Engels receiving a loud ovation when his name was announced as man of the match. For Rodgers, the challenge now is to build on this display and ensure that Engels continues to influence games in the same way.
If he can maintain this level, the Belgian could quickly become one of Celtic’s most important players this season, and a driving force in their push for European progress.
A slight over reaction
Okay Michael! I seriously don’t know what it is you’re smoking! But you really need to quit now!
Arne Engels was non-existent tonight! His pss to Liam Scales wasn’t exactly a measured one where he actually picked the big man out! He just flaffed it blindly across the box and it was Scales who turned it into Gold!
As for the corner that brought about the second goal, it was a corner, a poorly defended corner! If that had been at our end we’d have been furious with our defence! Just as we in fact WERE on Sunday!
So instead of kidding yourself about Engels being some sort of messiah, lets be honest and ask ourselves why he let Hovarts wander free from him completely unchallenged, for their goal! Let’s ask where was he the rest of the game?
Let’s ask ourselves, “is this the Ferrari player?”
Face facts! Engels was, is, and will never be anything more than a complete waste of money!
We left two far superior midfield players on our bench tonight! Bernardo and McCowan!
Bernardo & McCowan far superior?🤔
On what evidence is that based that on?
Anyone can see Engels has ability but just needs to show it on a more consistent basis. He’s a young player from another country and although he has had a slow start to his Celtic career, unlike you, most fans haven’t written him off.
Joe..stick to sticking up for board..Engels tho not amazin was our best player..maybe tries to hard to impress but hes carried the team forward tonight
and was
everywhere..McCowan not fit enough..Bernado aye ..get him startin..Calmac and hatate on the other hand