Nations media react as Celtic’s Arne Engels gets another big chance for Belgium vs Israel

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Arne Engels has seen a big rise in prominence domestically and on the international scene since he made his big move to Celtic in the summer.

The Belgian became Celtic’s most expensive signing on record after the Hoops paid £11.5m to Augsburg for Engels in August.

Since then the 21-year-old has been capped four times by Belgium, made 16 appearances for Celtic scoring three goals and creating three as well as making a debut appearance against Rangers and a big impact in the Champions League.

Last night, the Celtic midfielder was given the nod to start for Belgium against Israel and as The Red Devils suffered yet another defeat, the Belgian media delivered their verdict on Engels’ contribution on his fourth outing for his country.

Celtic’s Arne Engels ‘worked hard’ in Belgium’s shock defeat vs Israel

Engels played 93 out of the 94 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Israel and, it seems, he performed well in a team that is struggling to find its way under Domenico Tedesco.

And the Belgian media recognised that with their verdict on the young Celtic midfielder’s performance.

HLN:

‘At times he struggled with his position as the most advanced midfielder. But worked hard for the team. Correct match. To take into account for the future.’

De Standaard:

‘The Red Devils suffered from anaemic possession and Arne Engels could have wished for another game to make his starting debut for the Red Devils. The Celtic midfielder cut a bland figure as a replacement for the injured Youri Tielemans.’

Gazet van Antwerpen:

‘A lot of goodwill, but couldn’t really make his mark in possession.’

Arne Engels’ goals and assists at Celtic this season

Engels has made a great contribution to Celtic’s Champions League campaign and to Brendan Rodgers‘ unbeaten start to the domestic season.

So here is every game the young Belgian has scored or assisted so far this season:

• Celtic 5 v 1 Slovan Bratislava. A goal and an assist for Engels’ Champions League debut with Celtic.
• Borussia Dortmund 7 v 1 Celtic. An assist for Daizen Maeda’s equaliser.
• Celtic 3 v 1 RB Leipzig. Another assist for Engels for Nicolas Kuhn’s equaliser amongst Europe’s elite.
• Celtic 2 v Hearts. Engels opens his Celtic account against the Tynecastle club.
• Celtic 2 v Dundee 0. Another SPFL goal for the Celtic midfielder.
• Celtic 5 v 2 Falkisr. An assist after coming on as a sub in the League Cup Celtic Park win.
• Celtic 6 v 0 Aberdeen. Two assists for Engels in the Hampden drubbing of Jimmy Thelin’s men.