Arne Engels has been a big talking point this season for Celtic.
On Wednesday night, Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to his XI by practically fielding their reserves, as Celtic thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 in the Premiership.
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Engels, who is part of Celtic’s strongest midfield, alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, was named on the bench after their outing over the weekend against Hibernian.
Even though the 21-year-old has been a regular feature for the side, he was nominated for Young Player of the Year, and is on course to help Celtic to the Treble, he is still dividing opinion.
But some of Engels’ critics were put in their place on Open Goal.
Arne Engels defended with a comparison of James Tavernier
Even though Engels has just walked through the doors, he has been handed an important duty by Celtic, and that’s their set-pieces, including penalties.
Two critics of the young Belgium star have been Si Ferry and Andy Halliday, including how he doesn’t do much outside of those set plays.
But former Celtic youth player Paul Slane put them in their place by explaining how they are quick to praise Rangers captain James Tavernier over his dead-ball qualities, but act differently with Engels.
“I watched the highlights (against Hibs) and he literally did nothing in the highlights,” claimed Si Ferry.
Slane then added: “Engels, for his numbers, for a 21-year-old to come in,” before Ferry interrupted: “Corners, free-kicks and penalties.”
Before Slane then explained: “But you have praised James Tavernier for years for that. Assists and goals. A lot of them are penalties.”
Do you think Engels does anything apart from that (set-pieces). Halliday then stated: “Not really.” And Ferry agreed: “I need to see more from him. I want to see more from him.”
Engels’ stats for Celtic this season
First of all, Engels couldn’t do anything with the price tag; added to that, he is still very young and has years of development left in him.
Plus, Celtic’s recruitment policy has shown over the years that, given a bit of time, these players eventually explode into the best in the country.
That’s what will happen to Engels next term, as he has already made a very strong start, with WhoScored rating his Premiership display at over seven.
| Tournament | Apps | Goals | Assists | Key Passes | Fouled | Tackles | MotM | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiership | 24(9) | 9 | 6 | 1.7 | 1 | 0.7 | 1 | 7.04 |
| Champions League | 9(1) | 1 | 3 | 1.8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6.68 |
