Celtic club-record signing, Arne Engels, has quickly become a key player in Brendan Rodgers’ team since joining on transfer deadline day in August for £11 million.
The Belgian midfielder, who has made an immediate impact with 10 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, has already won over the hearts of Celtic supporters.
But it’s not just his on-pitch performances that have impressed; Engels has also taken on the responsibility of taking penalties and corners, often scoring from the spot and picking up assists from corners due to his composed finishing and brilliant delivery.
The Celtic Atmosphere
Engels was asked what his favourite thing about playing for Celtic is, and his response highlighted the unique, passionate atmosphere that surrounds the Hoops.
He said: (Celtic Football Club), “It’s the atmosphere every time you come into the stadium, it’s such a nice feeling to see everybody around you and supporting you. That’s my favourite thing about playing for Celtic.”
It’s clear that for Engels, the sense of belonging and unwavering support from Celtic fans are what stand out most. The electric atmosphere at Celtic Park is known for its intensity, and Engels’ words highlight just how much it means to him. For someone so young, it’s the perfect environment to thrive in.
A Rising Star
Since his arrival, Engels has shown incredible maturity on the pitch, playing with the confidence of someone far older than 21. His performances have been a real positive for Celtic this season, with his ability to influence games in a variety of ways. Not only has he become a regular goal-scorer and chance creator, but his technical ability and leadership in set-piece situations—taking both penalties and corners—show his growing influence within the team.
Looking Ahead
As the season reaches the business end, Celtic fans will no doubt be excited to see more of Engels’ development. His connection with the support and his performances on the field have already cemented his place as a regular starter under Brendan Rodgers. The Belgian midfielder’s words show just how much Celtic means to him, and that’s exactly the type of player the Hoops need for the long term.
With Engels filling Callum McGregor’s role as the deeper midfielder against St Mirren on Saturday after the Celtic skipper was substituted in the second half, it shows just how well he can read the game to play one of the toughest positions in the team for 25 minutes.
