Arne Engels is loving life in Scotland after joining Celtic for £11m from Augsburg in the summer.
The Belgian’s hefty price tag meant he came to Parkhead with unusually high expectations, although many fans forget his age and the fact he is still adapting to a new country, culture, and way of living.
So far, while some supporters haven’t been blown away by the 21-year-old, he is putting up respectable numbers: 12 goal contributions in 23 games isn’t a return to be sniffed at.
As a youngster with high expectations, moving abroad was never going to be simple, but Engels is enjoying life in Scotland: “It’s been really nice,” he said (The Herald).
“Everybody’s really nice to me. Also settling down here, it’s been amazing. It’s an amazing country, actually. So, it’s all been easy for me.
“In the team, the boys are amazing. They’re all fantastic guys that we can love every day. So, it has been really enjoyable actually.
“Just the people [are my favourite thing about Scotland] actually. Everybody’s so nice to each other. That makes me feel really welcome here.
“Also, of course, you have really beautiful places here in Scotland. The city is also nice. So, it has been really nice.”
At 21, Engels is only going to improve. He is already an established Belgian international, and with Celtic, he has shown signs of promise.
Functionality and what he brings to the team has been a question posed to Engels, although his numbers speak for themselves.
He brings elite set-piece ability, too, which the Hoops have lacked for years, and is a highly intelligent player who moves well and remains creative.
The ex-Augsburg man is versatile and can operate in a more advanced midfield role or, equally, deeper in a double pivot.
Brendan Rodgers undoubtedly sees something in the midfielder, who will only get better with time.
