It’s never easy being a big-money signing at a club the size of Celtic.
But to have the tag of Celtic’s club-record transfer, which belongs to Arne Engels, then the scrutiny and pressure is pretty heavy.
Yes, it’s not Engels’ fault that the champions of Scotland paid so much money for him, but unfortunately, he gets judged on it quite a lot, as was proven during the Hoops’ Premiership clash against Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday.
Celtic beat Hibernian 2-1, and it was Engels’ headed goal in the first half that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Who is your man of the match?
Celtic fans react to Arne Engels’ performance against Hibernian
Martin O’Neill has made a world of difference since he replaced Brendan Rodgers in the Parkhead dugout last month.
Many supporters on social media are in agreement that he has brought the best out of someone like Engels, and he looks like a ‘different player.’
The Belgian international showcased great bravery to score Celtic’s second, and winning, goal against Hibs, including taking a boot to the head following Yang’s brilliant floated cross.
@CelticNoah made it clear who Engels reminds him of: ‘Arne Engels and Reo Hatate since Martin O’Neil took over Celtic.’
@SongCaster7 called Engels ‘brave’ for his goal: ‘A brave header from the resurgent Engels. Good play from Yang. Long may this form continue.’
@mick_mc1967 had a simple message to the other Belgian midfielder in the league: ‘Best Belgium player in the league.’
@stephenmcglynn1 is loving how Engels is playing under O’Neill: ‘Different player under Martin O’Neill.’
@ktierneycsc didn’t overreact: ‘ARNE ENGELS BALLON D’OR.’
@SouperCeltic provided a small summary: ‘Engels really good again. Yang is like a £10m player. Donovan strong. Hatate is like a new player altogether!’
@BhoyCeltic88 reacted to Engels playing deeper: ‘Looks a different player deeper and his goal was nothing less than he deserved after his performances lately.’
And the theme continued around Celtic’s club-record transfer, as @inchy_1 stated: ‘Played some great football again in the first half there. Hatate back on form. Engels & Yang look like totally different players. Do we really need a new manager?!’
@Sadliercfc67 analysis on Engels after being ‘one of his biggest critics’: I’ve been one of Engels’ biggest critics, but the last few games he’s starting to look the 11 million pound player, not the finished article yet, but getting better.’
Engels’ stats for Celtic at Easter Road
It needs to be noted that Engels is still 22, so he can still learn from his mistakes, and hopefully, the next manager will take him to the next level.
But so far, as he proved at Easter Road, it’s another positive display from the set-piece specialist.
Two quickfire goals from Celtic! How are we rating this performance so far?
- Minutes played: 90
- Total shots: 1
- Goals: 1
- Accurate crosses: 1
- Passes in the opposition half: 7/14 (50%)
- Touches: 44
- Was fouled: 3
- Interceptions: 3
- Clearances: 1
- Blocked shots: 1
- Recoveries: 2
- Ground duels won: 5
- Sofascore rating: 7.6
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