Brendan Rodgers delivers verdict on Arne Engels’ first Celtic start, explains how he can improve

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Celtic supporters got a much closer look at the potential of Arne Engels this weekend after he made his first start for the club.

The Belgian was named in Brendan Rodgers’ eleven for the 2-0 victory against Hearts, even getting himself on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.

Fans’ first impressions of Engels are positive. He undoubtedly has a bit of quality about his game and, at 21, a high ceiling for improvement.

Rodgers likes a lot of his attributes and was impressed with what he witnessed from his new signing, also explaining that the player is only going to get better.

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Brendan Rodgers says Arne Engels is going to be ‘really good’ for Celtic

Speaking in a post-match press conference, the Bhoys boss said [Celtic Way]: “He had two great opportunities. One was in the box when he failed to wrap his foot around it and it went over the bar and he had another off the post with a bit of quick thinking from a throw-in. He did that well.

“He’s going to be a really good player. He’s tall and athletic. He can run and his touch is good. He presses and counter-presses, I really like him and that’s why we brought him here and at 21 years of age he is only going to improve.

“I am so pleased for him and he gets the penalty and he shows his courage to take it and score.

“There is still work we have to do with him in terms of his positioning and that is only natural – how we play and how he gets the itch to go but that is just rhythm and time.

“That’s the process that these players come into. Overall, I am happy for him.”

Engels can quickly become Celtic mainstay

It’s going to be very interesting to see if Engels retains his place in Rodgers’ team for Wednesday night’s test against Slovan Bratislava.

If he does, then it’s a clear signal that the young talent is already the manager’s first-choice pick in that midfield position.

Paulo Bernardo barely put a foot wrong against Rangers but could find himself again used as a rotation and depth option throughout the season, rather than that prime pick.

That’s no bad thing for Celtic. The competition for places is welcome. However, it would show just how much the manager rates Engels already. We’re just scratching the surface of what he can offer the club.