Few commentators are as well-placed to assess Arne Engels’ adaptation to life at Celtic as Derek Rae. Having spent years covering the Bundesliga and being fluent in German, Rae had a clear view of Engels’ development at Augsburg before his move to Glasgow.

But it’s Rae’s deep roots in Scottish football that make his analysis particularly relevant—he began his career on BBC Radio Scotland and has been commentating on the domestic game for over three decades.

That grounding gives Rae a unique dual insight. He understands the Bundesliga’s technical demands and development model, and equally grasps the tactical intensity and expectations at a club like Celtic. It’s this mix that allows him to cut through the noise when it comes to Engels’ progress under Brendan Rodgers.

Since arriving at Celtic, Engels has featured in various roles, including a poor apperance in holding midfield during the 3-2 defeat to Rangers at Celtic Park in March. With Callum McGregor sidelined through injury, the Belgian was tasked with anchoring the midfield. However, he struggled to replicate McGregor’s ability to drive from deep and control the game’s tempo, exposing the gap between experience and potential in high-pressure games.

Despite such setbacks, Rae has been keen to temper expectations, reminding supporters that Engels is still developing and has shown promise, particularly on the European stage.

He said: (TCW), “When Arne Engels signed for Celtic, I remember saying that for the fee that they paid, they were not getting the finished article. I told the Celtic supporters to hang fire on those types of judgements because he still had a lot of development to do.

“The biggest adjustment was the style of play at Celtic compared to Augsburg. Engels was the polar opposite of that at Augsburg. He was a good ball-playing defensive midfielder, and he has veered into the number ten position at times. That goes to show that Engels is a very versatile player.

“The Champions League is arguably where Engels has excelled this season for Celtic. A more technical player like Engels can thrive on that platform. You are not looking for perfection with Engels. He is still relatively young, and there are still things to be ironed out in his game.

“Celtic and Rodgers knew that they didn’t have the complete player in Engels, but they could take him to the next level. He is not the kind of player who will be at Celtic for the next five or six years.”

Those who watched Engels in the derby could see exactly what Rae was talking about. There were tidy moments and signs of intelligence in possession, but without McGregor’s ability to knit the game together, Celtic lacked control. Engels has qualities—but the ability to dominate from the base of midfield isn’t yet one of them.

What he does offer is versatility, composure, and a willingness to take on responsibility in big games. That he’s already been trusted in Glasgow Derbies and Champions League ties speaks to the faith Brendan Rodgers has in his long-term potential.

While Engels’ role is still being fully worked out, there’s no question he’s viewed as a player worth investing in. He might not have hit the heights yet, but there are glimpses of a player who could develop significantly under the right guidance.

Rae’s point is clear: the Belgian isn’t the finished article, and that’s fine. Celtic didn’t sign a ready-made replacement for McGregor or Matt O’Riley, they signed a player with the tools to grow, and in Rae’s view, the club and Rodgers are well-placed to shape that journey.