Jota Reveals the Player He Has a Special Connection With in the Celtic Squad – And Nobody Would Have Predicted It’s Engels
In a surprising twist that has caught the attention of Celtic fans, Portuguese winger Jota has opened up about a unique bond he’s formed since returning to Parkhead in January 2025. The 25-year-old, who has already rekindled his love affair with the Celtic faithful, revealed that the player he’s developed an unexpected connection with is none other than Belgian midfielder Arne Engels – a pairing nobody saw coming.
Jota, speaking to club media after a recent match, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when asked about his relationships within the squad. “You know, it’s funny,” he said with his trademark grin, “Arne [Engels] and I just clicked. I don’t think anyone would’ve put us together, but there’s something special there. He’s got this energy, this vision, and we’re always on the same wavelength on the pitch.”
The revelation has raised eyebrows, not least because Jota and Engels come from different footballing backgrounds and playstyles. Jota, the flair-filled winger known for his dazzling dribbles and pinpoint assists, contrasts with Engels, the 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder who brings relentless stamina and technical precision. Yet, it’s precisely this difference that seems to fuel their chemistry.
When Jota returned to Celtic after stints with Al-Ittihad and Rennes, fans expected him to link up with familiar faces like Callum McGregor or Daizen Maeda, with whom he’d shared the pitch during his first spell. Engels, however, was a new addition, having joined Celtic in the summer of 2024 for a club-record £11 million. The Belgian was still finding his feet when Jota arrived, making their connection all the more surprising.
“I wasn’t here when Arne first joined, but I’d heard about this young guy making waves,” Jota explained. “Then we started training together, and it was like, ‘Okay, this guy gets it.’ He’s always in the right spot, and he makes my job easier. Off the pitch, he’s just a great lad – always up for a laugh.”
Their on-pitch synergy was evident in Celtic’s 5-1 thrashing of Aberdeen in February 2025, where Engels’ threaded pass sparked a move that led to Jota’s goal. Reflecting on the moment, Jota admitted he didn’t expect Engels to pick him out. “I genuinely thought he was going to shoot,” he told Sky Sports Scotland, chuckling. “But he saw me, and it just worked. That’s what I mean – we’re always thinking one step ahead together.”
Pundits and fans alike are starting to see why this partnership clicks. Engels’ versatility – described by his former coach Rik De Mil as allowing him to “play anywhere in midfield or even on the wings” – complements Jota’s unpredictable flair. While Jota thrives in one-on-one situations, dancing past defenders, Engels provides the platform, often dropping deep to win the ball or delivering incisive passes to spring attacks.
Former Celtic star Stiliyan Petrov weighed in, noting that their connection could be a game-changer. “Jota’s got that magic, but he needs someone to set the stage. Engels does that quietly but brilliantly. It’s not the partnership you’d predict, but it’s one that makes Celtic tick,” Petrov told The Celtic Star.
Off the pitch, their bond is just as strong. Engels, speaking to 67 Hail Hail, praised Jota’s infectious personality. “From day one, he’s been great to have around. He’s always joking, lifting everyone’s mood. But in training, you see his quality – it pushes me to be better.” The Belgian added, “I hope I can keep setting him up, because when he’s on it, he’s unstoppable.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has been quick to capitalize on this budding partnership. “It’s important for creative players to feel wanted, and Jota’s found that here,” Rodgers said when Jota re-signed. “Arne’s got a maturity beyond his years, and together, they’re building something special.”
With Celtic chasing a domestic treble and eyeing progress in Europe, the Jota-Engels axis could be key. Their ability to combine in tight spaces and unlock defenses has already added a new dimension to Celtic’s attack. Fans are buzzing about what this duo could achieve, especially as Jota regains full match fitness after a challenging 18 months away.
What makes this connection so intriguing is its unpredictability. Jota’s charisma and Engels’ understated brilliance don’t scream “obvious pairing,” yet their chemistry is undeniable. As Jota put it, “Sometimes you don’t expect it, but you find someone who just gets you. That’s me and Arne.”
For Celtic supporters, it’s a delightful surprise – one that promises goals, flair, and maybe a few more iconic one-fisted Jota celebrations. If this partnership continues to blossom, it could be the spark that drives Celtic to glory in 2025
