Arne Engels made his return from injury against St Mirren last weekend, coming off the bench for his first minutes since February. His previous appearance had come in the win over Livingston before a spell on the sidelines that saw him miss 10 games.
That absence came at a time when Celtic’s midfield has struggled to settle. Different combinations have been tried, but there hasn’t been a consistent three for any extended period.
Engels coming back gives another option, but it’s more than that. He brings something that’s been missing. He’s one of the few midfielders in the squad who looks to play forward early and keep moves flowing.
There have been spells this season where Callum McGregor’s role has been questioned, while others have come in and out of the side. It’s left the midfield looking uncertain, especially in games where control has been lost.
The numbers under Martin O’Neill strengthen the case for Engels having a bigger role.
Looking at the games he’s played, the record is hard to ignore.
He’s been involved in 16 matches, with Celtic winning 12, drawing two and losing twice. That’s a clear trend. When he plays, Celtic tend to get results.
The scorelines tell their own story.
There are 4–0 wins over Dundee United and Kilmarnock, a 4–2 result against Utrecht, and 3–1 victories over Rangers in the League Cup and Feyenoord away from home. These aren’t narrow wins. Celtic have been attacking and scoring freely.
It hasn’t just been at Celtic Park either.
They’ve gone away to places like Easter Road and picked up wins, along with results at St Mirren and Falkirk. Even the draws at Hearts and Bologna show they can handle different types of games with him in the side.
He now comes back into a midfield that still feels unsettled. McGregor, Reo Hatate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Benjamin Nygren have all been used, but nothing has fully clicked.
The numbers point in one direction.
It’s been a disrupted season for him, but this run-in gives him a chance to find rhythm.
Based on what’s already there, it’s difficult to see a reason to leave him out.
