Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team selection during the opening month of the new season has been rather interesting.
Yes, the 2025 summer transfer window has overshadowed a lot of things, including how the Celtic manager hasn’t been properly backed.
But what shouldn’t be forgotten about is what is on the bench, including Celtic’s club-record transfer Arne Engels.
Somebody who knows and understands how to play that midfield role to the highest quality is Stiliyan Petrov, and he shared some interesting thoughts on Engels.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesArne Engels is trying to do ‘everything’ at Celtic
Celtic’s new signing Benjamin Nygren has pushed Engels to the bench because Rodgers has deployed him in the number eight role, other than at Ibrox.
But Petrov came to the Belgian star’s aid, including the ability he has in and around the box, as he told the Scottish Football Social Club.
The legendary midfielder also explained how ‘there has been a lot of negativity’ around Engels, but he likes what he sees from the Celtic player.
“With Engels, I like him,” said Petrov. “I know there has been a lot of negativity around him. I do think he tries way too hard to do too many things.
“I think he has to concentrate on what he does best. He has got the ability to get in the box. He has got a great strike. His timing is good when he gets in the box, but now, he is trying to do everything. He tries to get on the ball. He tries to get wider. He tries to create. He tries pushing for too many things.
“He just has to relax and enjoy his football again. The way when he came to Celtic. As soon as he came, the team was playing well, scoring goals, and he fitted quite well into the team structure.
“But, at the moment, he is just pushing too hard, and he is trying to do too many things at once.”
How has Engels rated this season for Celtic
It needs to be noted that Engels started the season on the bench, and then he has had a sprinkle of starts, including in that borefest of a Glasgow derby.
The 21-year-old will feel that he hasn’t got going yet, and it will be interesting to see how Rodgers uses him after the international break.
This is how WhoScored have rated his performances so far this term:
6.16 rating vs St Mirren (12 minutes played)5.99 rating vs Aberdeen (12 minutes played)6.99 rating vs Livingston (90 minutes played)6.33 rating vs Rangers (65 minutes played)