Celtic club record signing, Arne Engels, has sent a clear message to Rangers ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park, with the potential to put the Hoops 19 points clear of Barry Ferguson’s side.

The 21-year-old Belgian midfielder, who made the £11 million move from Augsburg in the summer, has become an huge part of Brendan Rodgers’ side following a brief dip in form earlier in the season.

A Guaranteed Starter

When Celtic faced Rangers in the last derby at Ibrox, Engels had to settle for a place on the bench due to illness. Coming on as a substitute, he couldn’t prevent a disappointing 3-0 loss for the Hoops. However, in the months since, Engels has firmly established himself as a key player in the team. His physicality, passing, and threat from set-pieces have seen him grow into a guaranteed starter each week—a stark contrast to the uncertainty surrounding his place before that Ibrox clash.

Proving His £11 Million Worth

Engels has shown exactly why Celtic were willing to splash out £11 million for him in the summer. His performances in the middle of the park have been impressive, showing not only defensive strengths but also his ability to create goalscoring chances. His strong physical presence in the air, combined with his clinical finishing from the penalty spot and corner kick delivery, has added a dimension to Celtic this season. Whether it’s picking out a pass or threatening from a set-piece, Engels has proven himself to be well worth the investment.

Focused on the Win, Not the Show

Engels outlined Celtic’s mindset ahead of Sunday’s derby. He said: (The Herald), “We just want to win and that’s the most important thing. It doesn’t need to be always pretty or something. We just need to win and that’s our main focus now on every game.” It’s clear from what Engels says that winning is the main focus, not how Celtic plays. Engels is staying focused and stresses the importance of taking each game as it comes, with the Rangers game being the main priority now as it is the next game.

Looking Ahead to the Derby

Engels knows the importance of the upcoming Glasgow Derby and how pivotal it could be in Celtic wrapping up a 55th league title as early as possible. “It’s now about winning every game and that’s always our mindset,” he continued. “We are focusing now on the next game and that’s the Rangers game. So it’s up to us now to relax a bit, recover and then just go into the new week with full energy and then we are ready for it.”

With Engels speaking so well ahead of the game, he is clearly a player with a head well beyond his years. Playing in the middle of the park alongside Celtic skipper and veteran Callum McGregor, he has the perfect player to learn from.

At just 21, Engels is growing every week in a Hoops shirt, with Sunday offering a huge chance to lay down a marker after the previous derby defeat, in which Engels didn’t start.

The Belgian is looking to show why he is such an important player in the team now under Brendan Rodgers, following standout performances in Europe against the likes of Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.