A key match, top of the table clash at Aberdeen, and the £11 million star is on the bench. Furthermore, he gets a few minutes in the end to tighten up the last embers of the game replacing the more attack-minded Reo Hatate.
Arne Engels has started 13 matches for Celtic as part of a run of 18 total appearances so appearances off the bench are not unknown. Early into his Celtic career, he has completed 90 minutes three times, twice in Champions League ties.
At 21 years old we should expect a young player to take time to adapt to a new country and surroundings. Remember when Hatate and Matt O’Riley joined in the winter of 2022, they went on to complete only three and one 90 minutes respectively in their initial runs in the team. Appearances off the bench were common.
So, recent history suggests even the better young midfielders of recent times needed to be bedded in gradually.
Of particular interest to me regarding Engels, however, is more around what sort of player he is! What is his optimal role?