The Arne Engels reality that needs to change at Celtic after surprise Callum McGregor claim

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are in uncharted waters following their derby defeat at the weekend.

That’s back-to-back defeats for Celtic against Rangers, which shows how much the champions-elect have dominated that this is now seen as a huge surprise and a problem.

But that’s the reality, as Callum McGregor’s absence on Sunday proved to be pivotal because Brendan Rodgers’ side just had no control in the middle of the park.

The man who sat in that number six role was Arne Engels, with fellow summer signing Luke McCowan coming into the XI and playing a more attacking role.

It’s fair to say that both encountered many problems throughout the match and it played a part in why Celtic struggled so badly.

If this was a one-off, you wouldn’t worry too much, but the issue is that, for the third Glasgow derby running, Rangers are happy to be without the ball and press Celtic into mistakes.

• READ MORE: Three losers and one winner from Celtic’s defeat to Rangers, including Nicolas Kuhn and Maik Nawrocki

Arne Engels needs to learn quickly as Chris Sutton shares Callum McGregor insight

What doesn’t help Engels is the fact that he joined Celtic in the summer for a club-record fee, so that does put extra pressure on his shoulders.

But the reality of it is that his performances need to improve, especially in these big games, or else, he will get swallowed up by the pressure in next to no time.

After the derby defeat on Sunday, Chris Sutton did share on Sky Sports what some Celtic fans have been telling him about the man with the armband.

“There are Celtic fans who I have spoken to about Callum McGregor. They think he isn’t quite at the level which he once was. I don’t agree with them,” shared Sutton.

All of that has now been put to bed because it’s quite clear that Celtic aren’t ready for Engels to play that deeper role and he still needs that experienced head around him.

They are harsh words, but Sutton was pretty honest by what he saw from Engels at the weekend.

“I am not taking anything away from Arne Engels, but he needs to get to that level. I thought that was the difference in that first half. Rangers really brave with their press. Celtic couldn’t find a way of playing out.”

Engels’ stats since joining Celtic

What is going to be interesting is the game at Ibrox after the split and how Engels performs in that match.

His first taste of playing at Ibrox didn’t go well and he doesn’t want to repeat that, or else, the criticism will continue to fly in.

But the bigger picture needs to be looked at and that’s how the Celtic Park faithful might not get to see the best of the 21-year-old next season.

And, for his first campaign in Scottish football, he is on course to win the Treble and has earned a rating of over seven by WhoScored.