Celtic told of the moment Arne Engels ‘came of age’ at Parkhead

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Arne Engels was always set to take some time establishing himself as a Celtic player.

The Belgian was Celtic’s most expensive signing ever and with that accolade comes pressure as well as the expectation from the fanbase that he was there to replace the talismanic Matt O’Riley.

Engels has had his moments of magic at Celtic Park as well as some off-colour performances but in recent weeks the midfielder has come into his own and had more man of the match outings than he’s had anything else.

Engels’ form has been noticed by supporters and pundits alike, the latter of those being Neil Lennon who reserved special praise for the 21-year-old.

Former Hoops striker Chris Sutton also named Engels as the best star against Aberdeen as Celtic hammered the Dons 5-1 earlier this week.

• READ MORE: Arne Engels shares what the Celtic dressing room were ‘not happy’ about at half-time vs Aberdeen

Stephen McGinn says Engels ‘came of age’ for Celtic vs Bayern Munich

Now Stephen McGinn during his co-commentary duties with Sportscene for BBC has revealed the two matches in particular where he feels Engels has really found his feet as a Celtic star.

It was in the Champions League in the two-legged knockout play-off with Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich that saw McGinn stand up and take notice of Engels.

And the former Falkirk and St Mirren captain believes the playmaker has made himself indispensable in the starting XI for Brendan Rodgers with his recent performances.

“He’s having an excellent period in the season, Arne Engels,” McGinn said.

“I think the Bayern Munich double header was when he really came of age as a Celtic player.

“He looks really comfortable in the midfield, absolutely a first pick for Brendan Rodgers and he’s really enjoying his football at the minute.”

Arne Engels’ Celtic stats since he arrived

Engels has had his critics at Parkhead this term. Patience is a virtue, as we know, but it’s not necessarily one everyone within the stands has at Paradise.

The 21-year-old was never going to be a carbon copy of O’Riley, nor should he ever have been judged as one.

But he has become valuable and that cannot be denied with his nine goals and 12 assists in all competitions this term including in the Champions League where he has not looked out of place.

Celts also needed a regular penalty taker and the midfielder stepped up in that department. Even after missing vs Ross County, Rodgers revealed he had no doubts about Engels’ quality.

There are even less doubts about it now.