Pundit delivers bold Arne Engels and Matt O’Riley comparison verdict at Celtic

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Arne Engels is enjoying a brilliant start to his early Celtic career since his £11m move from Augsburg in the summer.

After just three appearances, Engels has scored twice as he showed his composure from the penalty spot against Hearts and Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League over the last seven days.

But it’s not just his goals that have impressed the Celtic fans. Engels’ all-round play has delighted the Hoops support and it has also led Gordon Dalziel to compare the Belgian to former Celtic hero Matt O’Riley.

Arne Engels is ‘a better player’ than Matt O’Riley

Clearly getting very excited over Celtic’s new arrival, Dalziel’s early verdict on Engels is sure to raise a few eyebrows amongst the Parkhead support.

Dalziel told Superscoreboard, “But you talk about Engels, I’m going to say right now from what I’ve seen of him, I’m going to make a big statement.

“I’m going early on this. I’ve got a feeling for players. I think he’s better than Matt O’Riley.”

“I’m telling you now, I’m telling you a fact and you will agree with me. This guy, what I’ve seen of him, is getting every single thing in his locker.

“He’s got off to a terrific start. The confidence he’s got, you’ll see him composed at the penalty kicks. I’m telling you he’s a better player than Matt O’Riley. All day long.

“I’m not being disrespectful to Matt O’Riley but I think he’s a better player. I would play him before Matt O’Riley. There you go.”

Engles’ promising Celtic start

I understand the excitement over Engles and his early form for Celtic but to make statements like he is a better player than O’Riley at this stage is just too much.

Engels is clearly a very talented football and at just 21, the youngster has already been capped by Belgium and has had his first taste of Champions League football.

Comparing Engels to O’Riley right now just puts unnecessary pressure on the Belgian at a time when he is still trying to find his feet at Celtic.

Whilst it’s great to see the Celtic midfielder draw the plaudits, let’s put any talk of comparisons to bed and just enjoy what Engels has brought and is yet to bring to Brendan Rodgers’ team this season.