They both arrived at different ends of the Celtic spectrum.
Arne Engels was a record signing for the club as they splashed out £11million to land the Belgian from FC Augsburg.
He was the marquee signing for Brendan Rodgers and his scouting team to hang their hats on after Matt O’Riley switched to Brighton for £30m.
Former Dundee captain – and diehard Hoops fan – Luke McCowan was a much more humble acquisition for closer to the £1m mark – a fee the club have been used to spending in recent times.
There were questions as to whether McCowan would fit the mould with the midfield already a stacked position for the club with Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo all also available.
Engels was quick to show his promise.
He whipped in dangerous deliveries, scored penalties and provided assists. Two strikes, in fact, and the same number of assists on the board from eight outings.
But after a handful of decent, unspectacular performances from the playmaker, some punters have been wondering whether or not McCowan could come into the fold and offer something fresh.
Arne Engels’ early Celtic form has brought goals and assists
After all, footballers – especially those who cost big bucks – don’t always get the time from supporters.
And while Celtic fans enjoy what Engels can bring – and have been complimentary of his talents thus far – a debate on social media has raged over the past few days following the heroic 0-0 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League.
Some want Engels rested and McCowan on the pitch. Others have rallied for the Belgian and demanded patience.
One fan, on McCowan’s behalf, wrote on X: “People get so up tight when someone has an opposing opinion. The truth is Engels hasn’t been great and McCowan looks the better signing so far.
“Engels has huge expectations due to playing in a better league and his cost, not his fault but we expect better.”
Another commented: “Not writing Engels off by any stretch let’s get that clear. I think currently McCowan looks a better player.
“That’s my take, I think Engels will grow here as will McCowan. I still think one will captain us in the future and one will not.”
One wrote: “McCowan is a few years older and wiser than Engels. Has also played a lot more football than him.”
McCowan cost Celtic just £1million from Dundee on deadline day
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 21 | 22 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 22 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 16 |
| 4 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 15 |
| 5 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 13 |
| 6 |  DundeeDundee | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 14 | -1 | 9 |
| 7 |  KilmarnockKilmarnock | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 9 |
| 8 |  ST MirrenST Mirren | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 18 | -7 | 8 |
| 9 |  ST JohnstoneST Johnstone | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 19 | -8 | 7 |
| 10 |  Ross CountyRoss County | 9 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 17 | -9 | 7 |
| 11 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | -5 | 5 |
| 12 |  HibernianHibernian | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 14 | -6 | 5 |
A fourth said: “I’d still start McCowan over him next game because he deserves it but Engels will be class his first couple games showed his quality”.
Others clamoured to make sure Engels remained on the pitch.
One commented: “‘McCowan was better than Engels’ is a mental take and so off it.
“Would like to see McCowan put in the 70 minute defensive shift (vs Atalanta) and composure on ball that Engels had.”
Another added: “I personally think Engels is doing fine and McCowan is a good option off the bench.
“Engels also takes all our attacking set pieces as well as penalties so really is pivotal to the way the team plays. No harm in resting players for ‘easier’ domestic games after Europe”.
One wrote: “Can’t get my around the clamour to get McCowan in team ie get Engels out. The team are playing well and Engels was arguably our best player in 1st half v Aberdeen when we had a two goal lead.”
Another said: “Give Engels time but I agree McCowan is a great signing”.
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